This Easy Mediterranean One-Pot Pasta is a colorful dish packed with olives, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. It cooks all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used spaghetti, but you can swap it with linguine or even a gluten-free pasta if needed. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are a lifesaver! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, you can use about 4 cups of chopped. Just make sure to add a splash of water since fresh ones might dry out.
Olives: Kalamata olives give a great flavor, but if you can’t find them, green olives or even black olives work well too. Just pick your favorite!
Artichoke hearts: Marinated artichoke hearts are fantastic for this recipe. If you want to save some calories, you can use canned or frozen, just be sure to drain them first.
How Do I Keep the Pasta from Sticking Together?
A common frustration with one-pot pasta dishes is sticking. To minimize this, stir the pasta frequently while it cooks. This helps release the starches, making for a creamier dish.
- Choose a wide pot to allow extra space for stirring.
- Bring the pot to a good simmer and keep an eye on it. High heat helps cook the pasta evenly.
- Don’t forget to add enough liquid! If needed, top off with a bit more broth or water to keep the pasta submerged.
Easy Mediterranean One-Pot Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, quartered
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme or a few fresh sprigs
- 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 recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a speedy yet satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Your Ingredients:
In a large wide pot or deep skillet, mix the spaghetti, diced tomatoes (including the juices), sliced onion, garlic, olives, artichoke hearts, dried oregano, thyme, olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This is where all those delicious Mediterranean flavors come together!
2. Add Broth and Prepare to Cook:
Pour in the vegetable broth or water over the mixture. Ensure the liquid mostly covers the pasta—if it doesn’t, add a little more water. This will help everything cook evenly and absorb that tasty liquid.
3. Bring to a Boil:
Heat the pot over high heat and bring everything to a boil. This is when the magic starts happening!
4. Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium. Let the mixture simmer uncovered, stirring frequently. This keeps the pasta from sticking and helps it cook nicely, about 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Taste and Adjust:
After cooking, taste your pasta! Add more salt and pepper if you think it needs it—cooking is all about personal taste!
6. Serve It Up:
Serve your pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy every bite of this easy and vibrant dish!
Relish this hassle-free meal loaded with Mediterranean flavors—perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you’re in need of comfort food!
FAQ: Easy Mediterranean One-Pot Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine work great, you can substitute with any pasta shape you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type; smaller shapes may cook faster.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just be sure to skip the grated Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative to keep it plant-based.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen it up and prevent drying out.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just chop them up and add them in with the other ingredients. Cook them until tender and enjoy the extra flavors!
