This Easy Mediterranean One-Pot Pasta is a real winner! It brings together tasty veggies, olives, and herbs, all simmered with pasta in one pot for easy cooking and cleanup.
You’ll love how simple it is to make—less mess means more time to enjoy! I like to sprinkle extra cheese on top, just because. Who can resist a little cheesy goodness? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend spaghetti or linguine, but feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as some alternatives may cook faster.
Diced Tomatoes: For a fresher taste, you can use fresh tomatoes, roughly chopped, instead of canned. Just remember to adjust the liquid accordingly, since canned tomatoes include juice.
Kalamata Olives: If you’re not a fan of Kalamata olives, try using green olives or capers instead. They’ll still add a nice briny flavor!
Marinated Artichoke Hearts: If you don’t have marinated artichokes, canned artichokes drained and rinsed work well. You can also skip them if you prefer a simpler dish.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount or leave them out if you want to keep it mild. Adding a sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten the dish without the heat!
How Do I Prevent Pasta from Sticking Together?
Keeping pasta from sticking can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll do great!
- Stir often in the first few minutes while the pasta cooks to break any clumps. This will help keep everything moving!
- Make sure you have enough liquid in the pot. If it looks too dry, add a bit more broth or water.
- Don’t raise the heat too high! Boiling too aggressively can lead to sticky pasta. A gentle boil is best.
Remember, some stickiness is normal, but stirring helps create that beautiful, mix-together texture you want!
Easy Mediterranean One-Pot Pasta
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or linguine pasta
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and halved
- 4 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious one-pot pasta takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 12 minutes to cook, for a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
In a large wide pot or deep skillet, combine the dry pasta, diced tomatoes (with their juice), sliced red onion, sliced garlic, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, olive oil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and vegetable broth. Stir everything together to mix well.
2. Bring to a Boil:
Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
3. Simmer the Pasta:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer uncovered, stirring frequently. Cook until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has evaporated (about 9 to 12 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you’re using).
4. Season to Taste:
When the pasta is cooked, season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors.
5. Let It Rest:
Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a minute to thicken up slightly. This will help absorb any extra liquid.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal!
This one-pot pasta is perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner, and clean-up is a breeze with just one pot to wash!
FAQ for Easy Mediterranean One-Pot Pasta
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time since gluten-free pasta often cooks faster. Keep an eye on it and taste for doneness to ensure it doesn’t get mushy.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce if needed.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies. Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini would be great additions. Just chop them up and toss them in with the other ingredients, adjusting the cooking time if necessary.
What Can I Serve With This Pasta?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein!
