Description
Baked Mediterranean Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful vegetarian dish that combines tender rotini pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, and gooey mozzarella cheese. This easy casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, offering a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Cook pasta until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
- Allow the baked pasta to rest for about 15 minutes before serving for better slicing and serving.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes, in the microwave in 30-second intervals, or on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- 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
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