Indulge in a delightful Mediterranean pasta creation that’s both uncomplicated and bursting with flavor. Gently cooked pasta embraces a luscious olive oil-infused sauce, intermingled with plump tomatoes, tender artichoke hearts, and zesty olives. A generous layer of gooey mozzarella crowns the dish, creating a tantalizingly crisp and gooey finish when baked to perfection. The cherry on top? This pasta bake is a breeze to whip up, taking less than 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s a go-to for hectic weeknights, yet posh enough to dazzle at any dinner gathering. Prepare for a dish so irresistible, everyone will be clamoring for seconds!
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Reasons why you’ll love Mediterranean Pasta
- Mediterranean Flavors abound. This baked pasta dish is a celebration of Mediterranean Flavors! I absolutely adore artichokes and olives, and they take centre stage in this recipe. When you blend them with ripe, juicy tomatoes, fragrant garlic, velvety mozzarella, zingy lemon, and the finest olive oil, you get the quintessential Mediterranean pasta bake. This dish is a burst of Flavors that will undoubtedly tickle your taste buds!
- Packed with Nutrients: This pasta isn’t just delicious, it’s also a powerhouse of nutrients. I absolutely adore artichokes and olives, and they take centre stage in this recipe. When you blend them with ripe, juicy tomatoes, fragrant garlic, velvety mozzarella, zingy lemon, and the finest olive oil, you get the quintessential Mediterranean pasta bake. This dish is a burst of Flavors that will undoubtedly tickle your taste buds! And let’s not forget the goodness of fresh tomatoes and garlic!
- Mediterranean Diet-Friendly Potential: While traditional pasta may not align with the Mediterranean diet, the abundance of wholesome veggies in this recipe certainly does. Plus, if you opt for whole grain pasta, you’ve got yourself a completely Mediterranean diet-approved dish!
Baked Mediterranean Pasta
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 6
Recipe Video:
Mediterranean Pasta Ingredients and Instructions:
Ingredients:
- 400g (14oz) penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Add a 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese to your liking
- Pepper and salt pepper to taste
For the Mediterranean Sauce:
- 1 can (400g/14oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the pasta: Boil the penne pasta in a big pot of salted boiling water, following the instructions on the package for that perfect ‘al dente’ texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Mediterranean Sauce: In a saucepan, warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Put in the chopped onions and cook them until they turn soft and slightly see-through. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. – Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried herbs (oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary), salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
Step 3: Sautee Cherry Tomatoes and Olives: In a big frying pan, warm up a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced black olives to the mixture. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, Mediterranean sauce, sautéed cherry tomatoes, and olives. Mix well to ensure even coating.
Step 5: Add Feta and Fresh Herbs: Gently fold in crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh basil, and parsley into the pasta mixture.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a large baking dish and transfer the pasta mixture into it. Spread it out evenly.
Step 7: Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese: Generously scatter grated Parmesan cheese all over the pasta for that extra burst of flavor.
Step 8: Bake and Serve: Pop the baking dish into the already heated oven and let it bake for roughly 20-25 minutes, or until you see that beautiful golden and bubbly top. Enjoy! Allow it to cool down for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired. With this Baked Mediterranean Pasta, you can take a comfortable journey to the Mediterranean shore in the comfort of your own home. It’s a fresh take on a cherished classic with its hearty pasta and vivid ingredients. It will undoubtedly steal the show at any event!
Nutrition Information:
| Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of the recipe) | Calories: 480 |
| Total Fat: 21g | 32% |
| – Saturated Fat: 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol: 35mg | 12% |
| Sodium: 920mg | 38% |
| Total Carbohydrates: 57g | 19% |
| – Dietary Fiber: 7g | 28% |
| – Sugars: 7g | |
| Protein: 17g | 34% |
| Vitamin D: 1mcg | 6% |
| Calcium: 350mg | 27% |
| Iron: 4mg | 22% |
| Potassium: 570mg | 12% |
Health Benefits:
- Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C and K, as well as folate. They’re also a good source of antioxidants like lycopene.
- Olives: Packed with monounsaturated fats, they can contribute to heart health. They’re also a source of vitamin E and contain antioxidants.
- Basil: Contains vitamins A, K, and C, along with minerals like calcium and iron. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Mediterranean pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the unbaked pasta for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheat and Reuse Instructions:
- Reheating: Gently reheat the refrigerated pasta in a microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Avoid Overheating: To maintain the flavors, avoid high heat during reheating.
- Refresh with Additional Ingredients: Consider adding a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to rejuvenate the flavors.
- Reuse Creatively: Transform leftovers into a cold pasta salad by adding fresh veggies and a light vinaigrette for a delightful and refreshing twist.
RECIPE ADVICE AND HINTS
- How to store: To preserve your leftover Mediterranean baked pasta, pop it in the fridge where it will stay delicious for up to four days. Seal it tightly in an airtight container or use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover the casserole pan.
- How to freeze: Pasta casseroles are freezer champions! Divide your pasta bake into portions, then wrap each piece in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or place them in airtight containers. This way, it can stay in the freezer for as long as three months.
- How to reheat: If you’ve stored it in the freezer, thaw your pasta in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, heat it up in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through.
Conclusion:
With this Baked Mediterranean Pasta, you may go to the Mediterranean’s sunny coastlines without leaving the comfort of your home. It’s a modern take on an old favorite, with substantial pasta and colorful toppings that will steal the show at any party.
Enjoy and thank you!