Description
Baked Mediterranean Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful vegetarian dish that brings the essence of Mediterranean cuisine right to your table. This delightful casserole combines tender rotini pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, and gooey mozzarella cheese, creating a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. With its array of colors and rich flavors, this dish not only satisfies the palate but also impresses visually. Simple to prepare and customizable, you can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or add proteins to suit your taste. Enjoy this comforting baked pasta that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 (12 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
- 200 grams bocconcini (mozzarella balls), halved (or more, for extra cheesy topping)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (6–8 minutes). Drain and return to pot.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant (3–4 minutes).
- Add cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Combine sautéed vegetables with pasta, artichoke hearts, and olives; toss gently.
- Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with mozzarella balls.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg