Mediterranean Pasta Bake

This comforting Baked Mediterranean Pasta brings all your favorite Mediterranean flavors together in one bubbling casserole dish. The combination of sweet roasted tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy cheese creates a dinner that's both sophisticated and satisfying without hours of effort.

I first created this dish when I had friends unexpectedly stay for dinner after a long beach day. It was such a hit that it's now my go to when I want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Rotini pasta: the spiral shape catches all the sauce and small ingredients perfectly
• Olive oil: use a good quality extra virgin for the best Mediterranean flavor
• Onion and garlic: create the aromatic foundation that elevates the entire dish
• Cherry tomatoes: they burst with natural sweetness when roasted
• Italian seasoning: a convenient blend that adds classic herb flavors
• Salt and pepper: always adjust to taste
• Artichoke hearts: their tender texture and subtle flavor make this dish special
• Kalamata olives: these add the distinctive briny flavor that defines Mediterranean cooking
• Bocconcini: these small mozzarella balls create pockets of melty cheese throughout
• Fresh parsley: adds bright color and freshness to finish the dish
• Parmesan cheese: optional but adds a salty umami finish

How To Make Baked Mediterranean Pasta

Prepare The Pasta:

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like the sea. Add the rotini and cook until al dente about 6 to 8 minutes or according to package instructions. Remember that the pasta will continue cooking in the oven so you want it slightly firmer than you would normally eat it. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse as the starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

Create The Sauce Base:

While your pasta cooks heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers and just begins to smoke. Add the diced onion and minced garlic cooking them until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant but not browned about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning which would give the dish a bitter taste.

Add The Tomatoes And Seasonings:

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the hot skillet. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning salt and pepper. Gently stir to coat the tomatoes in oil and seasonings. Cook for just 1 to 2 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release some juices. You want them to maintain their shape while beginning to create a light sauce.

Combine And Assemble:

Add the cooked pasta artichoke hearts and halved olives to the skillet with the tomato mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and the ingredients are well distributed. Transfer this mixture to a 9x13 inch casserole dish spreading it out evenly. Distribute the halved bocconcini cheese across the top of the pasta.

Bake To Perfection:

Place the casserole in your preheated 375°F oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the cheese has melted completely and developed golden brown spots on top. The edges of the pasta should be slightly crispy. Allow the dish to rest for 15 minutes before serving this helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.

Garnish And Serve:

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top of the hot pasta bake. If desired offer freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the table for guests to add to their individual portions. The contrast of the bright herbs against the golden cheese makes for a beautiful presentation.

The artichoke hearts are truly the secret star of this dish. I discovered their magic in pasta bakes during a cooking class in Tuscany where our instructor insisted they were essential for authentic flavor. She was right every time I try to skip them the dish just isnt the same.

Make It Your Own

This Mediterranean pasta bake welcomes personalization. Try adding a cup of fresh spinach or baby kale for extra greens or include a bell pepper diced and sautéed with the onions. For protein lovers crumbled feta grilled chicken or even canned tuna make excellent additions. The recipe is forgiving and adaptable to whatever you have on hand.

Storage And Reheating

This pasta bake stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight making leftovers something to look forward to. To reheat cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If using a microwave cover loosely and heat in 1minute intervals stirring between each until hot.

Entertaining With Mediterranean Pasta

This baked pasta makes an impressive centerpiece for casual gatherings. Serve it alongside a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal that feels special without requiring constant attention. The Mediterranean flavors appeal to most palates making it a safe bet even for guests with particular preferences. I often prepare this when hosting book club since I can have it ready to go into the oven before everyone arrives.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different pasta shapes for this Mediterranean bake?

Yes! While rotini works wonderfully because its spirals hold the sauce, you can substitute penne, fusilli, or farfalle with equally delicious results. Just ensure you cook any pasta to al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

This dish is already vegetarian. For a vegan version, simply omit the bocconcini and Parmesan or replace them with your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives. The olives, artichokes and tomatoes provide plenty of Mediterranean flavor even without dairy.

→ What can I serve with this Mediterranean pasta bake?

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread is another excellent side option. For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables on the side.

→ Can I prepare this Mediterranean pasta ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the entire dish up to the baking step, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it will be starting cold.

→ What substitutions work for kalamata olives?

If kalamata olives are unavailable or not to your taste, black olives or green olives make good substitutes. You could also use a Mediterranean olive mix. If you're not an olive fan, try capers or sun-dried tomatoes for a similar briny flavor component.

→ How can I add protein to this Mediterranean pasta dish?

This versatile dish works wonderfully with added protein. Try mixing in cooked chicken, Italian sausage, shrimp, or white beans before baking. For a pescatarian option, flaked tuna or salmon would complement the Mediterranean flavors nicely.