Name: Baked Mediterranean Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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 (or more, for extra cheesy topping); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish); Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that comes together with pure Mediterranean flair, you’ll adore this Baked Mediterranean Pasta. It features sun-ripened veggies, briny olives, tender artichokes, and luscious mozzarella, all beautifully baked until bubbly and golden. This is a dish that’s as easy to pull off on a busy weeknight as it is dazzling enough for casual entertaining. With every forkful, you’ll taste a Mediterranean holiday right at your own kitchen table.

Baked Mediterranean Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Mediterranean Pasta lies in its colorful, straightforward ingredients—each one plays a starring role in creating bold flavors and inviting textures. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why it matters.

Rotini pasta: The spiral shape holds up to the sauce and bakes beautifully, making each bite satisfying.
Olive oil: Adds that classic Mediterranean richness and brings all the ingredients together.
Onion: Gives a gentle sweetness and base flavor to the sauce.
Garlic: Lends irresistible aroma and depth, elevating every bite.
Cherry tomatoes: Their burst of juicy sweetness enhances the whole dish and balances the brininess.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant medley that adds herbal complexity and that signature Mediterranean edge.
Salt: Essential for bringing out every ingredient’s natural flavor.
Ground black pepper: Delivers just the right touch of subtle heat and earthiness.
Artichoke hearts: Their tender texture and gentle tang epitomize Mediterranean cooking.
Kalamata olives: These provide deep, briny character and a pop of color.
Bocconcini (mozzarella balls): Half-melted and deliciously stretchy, they make the topping irresistible.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, green finish to the baked dish.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For an extra punch of savory flavor right at the table.

How to Make Baked Mediterranean Pasta

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Get Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything will bake evenly once you layer up the pasta. Take out a casserole or baking dish and give it a light greasing, so your Baked Mediterranean Pasta will lift out like a dream once it’s golden and bubbly.

Step 2: Cook the Rotini Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook just until al dente, which usually takes about 6–8 minutes. Remember, the pasta will have more cooking time in the oven, so leave it slightly firm for perfect texture. Drain well and return it to the pot.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced onion for about 2 minutes, then stir in the minced garlic. Keep cooking until both are fragrant and the onions have softened—about 3–4 minutes. This base adds fabulous depth and aroma to the finished dish.

Step 4: Build the Flavor with Tomatoes and Seasoning

Add your halved cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper, straight into the skillet. The tomatoes will start to soften and release their juices, creating a quick and vibrant sauce that’s so much better than anything from a jar. Cook for 1–2 more minutes.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Now, combine the sautéed veggie mixture with your cooked rotini, plus the drained artichoke hearts and halved kalamata olives. Gently toss everything to distribute the flavors. It’ll smell heavenly already, and those vibrant colors are half the fun of making this!

Step 6: Assemble in a Casserole Dish

Tip the tossed pasta and veggies into your prepared baking dish. Arrange the halved bocconcini (mozzarella balls) evenly over the top for that signature gooey-cheesy finish. Feel free to use extra if you’re a big mozzarella fan—there are no wrong answers here!

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The cheese will melt, the edges will start to turn golden, and your kitchen will fill with incredible Mediterranean aromas. Let it stand for a few minutes before serving so everything settles just right.

How to Serve Baked Mediterranean Pasta

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving livens up the color and adds a final burst of freshness. If you love extra flavor, offer grated Parmesan at the table—its sharpness pairs fantastically with the creamy mozzarella and tangy vegetables.

Side Dishes

This pasta is a meal in itself, but it’s even more satisfying when paired with a crisp green salad drizzled in lemony vinaigrette, or thin slices of rustic bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside roasted asparagus or sautéed greens.

Creative Ways to Present

For a potluck or festive table, spoon the Baked Mediterranean Pasta into individual ramekins for single-serve portions. Or, scatter extra colorful roasted peppers and a drizzle of herby olive oil on top for a dramatic, platter-style presentation. Let your creativity shine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Mediterranean Pasta tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The mozzarella may firm up a bit, but it reheats beautifully.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions, let the pasta cool completely first. Pack into freezer-safe containers or wrap portions tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover and pop your leftovers into a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but add a splash of water or extra olive oil to ensure the pasta stays moist and tender.

FAQs

Can I substitute a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. While rotini is fantastic at holding onto the sauce, other sturdy pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni also work well for Baked Mediterranean Pasta. Just aim for a shape with grooves or twists for maximum flavor in every bite.

Is there a vegan version of Baked Mediterranean Pasta?

Yes! Simply swap out the mozzarella balls for your favorite plant-based cheese or leave them out entirely and add extra veggies for richness. There are also some wonderful dairy-free Parmesan options to sprinkle on top.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Certainly. Shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked shrimp, or chickpeas can be mixed in alongside the veggies in step 5. Just be careful not to overload the baking dish, so everything cooks evenly.

What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente—it will finish cooking in the oven and soak up some of the delicious liquid from the veggies. If you like a bit of bite, check the pasta two minutes before the package instructions suggest it’s done.

Can I prepare Baked Mediterranean Pasta in advance?

Yes, you can assemble everything up to the baking step, cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, uncover and bake as directed—just add a couple extra minutes if it’s going straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you adore big, sunny flavors and easy comfort food, make this Baked Mediterranean Pasta your next dinner. It’s colorful, wholesome, and certain to win over even the pickiest eaters. Give it a try and share it with friends or family—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!

Baked Mediterranean Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 14 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Baked Mediterranean Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of the Mediterranean in a cheesy, comforting baked pasta. Perfect for a family meal or gathering with friends.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta: Boil rotini pasta until al dente (6–8 minutes); drain and return to pot.
Prepare sauce: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant; add cherry tomatoes, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook briefly.
Combine: Mix sautéed vegetables with pasta, artichoke hearts, and olives; toss gently.
Assemble: Transfer to casserole dish, top with mozzarella balls.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown.

Notes

You can customize the dish by adding other Mediterranean ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
For a richer flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean