This Mediterranean One Pot Pasta is a colorful and tasty dish that brings the flavors of the sun to your table. With tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs, it’s like a little vacation in a bowl!
I love how everything cooks together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze! Plus, it’s packed with veggies, so you can feel great about enjoying every bite. 🍝🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti or Linguine: These pasta types work well for this dish, but you can try gluten-free pasta or whole wheat options for a healthier choice. I tend to prefer linguine for its flat shape that holds the sauce nicely.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: Using canned tomatoes is super convenient. If you want a fresher taste, you could substitute with diced fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need to increase the broth slightly to mimic the liquid content of canned tomatoes.
Vegetable Broth: This adds depth to your dish. If you like it richer, swap half of the vegetable broth for white wine. For a vegetarian or vegan dish, stick with vegetable broth.
Olives: Black olives are classic, but Kalamata olives give a nice tangy flair. Don’t have olives? Try capers for a different but tasty twist!
Artichoke Hearts: Canned or frozen works well here. If you can find fresh artichokes, they can add a unique taste, but they require a bit more preparation. Marinated artichokes are also delicious and add extra flavor!
How to Get Perfectly Cooked Pasta in One Pot?
One-pot cooking is fantastic and saves cleanup time, but getting the pasta just right can be tricky. The key is to keep an eye on your heat and stirring!
- For even cooking, make sure your pasta is submerged in the liquid, but stir occasionally to prevent clumping.
- Cook the pasta until it’s al dente; it will continue cooking after you remove it from heat.
- If you find the mixture too dry before the pasta is done, add a splash of water or broth. It’s better to simmer longer than to rush it!
How to Make Mediterranean One Pot Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup pitted olives (black or Kalamata)
- 1 cup artichoke hearts (canned or frozen, drained if needed)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious one-pot pasta dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful Mediterranean meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Olive Oil:
In a large pot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once it’s warm, toss in the chopped red onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and soft. This will give your dish a lovely base flavor!
2. Add the Garlic:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. You want to cook it just enough to release that amazing aroma!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Next, add the uncooked spaghetti (or linguine) to the pot. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (including all the juices) and the vegetable broth, and then toss in the olives, artichoke hearts, dried oregano, dried basil, and some salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine well.
4. Cook the Pasta:
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Stir occasionally for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If you like it a little saucier, don’t worry—just keep an eye on it!
5. Let It Rest:
After cooking, remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This resting time helps any remaining liquid thicken up nicely.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Now it’s time to serve your Mediterranean one pot pasta! Dish it up hot and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. For a fresh touch, add a few basil leaves as a garnish. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can swap in any pasta shape you like, just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type you choose. For example, smaller pasta shapes like penne or fusilli may cook faster than spaghetti or linguine. Just keep an eye on it!
What If I Don’t Have Olives or Artichokes?
No problem! You can leave them out or substitute with other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or capers for added flavor. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain the taste balance in the dish.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already vegan if you omit the Parmesan cheese. You can replace it with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the pasta, stirring occasionally until heated through.
