Baked Mediterranean Pasta
This Baked Mediterranean Pasta is a colorful, satisfying vegetarian casserole bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Juicy cherry tomatoes, savory olives, tender artichoke hearts, and creamy mozzarella create a comforting and delicious dish that's easy to prepare—perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Total Time40 minutes mins
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: artichoke pasta, easy baked pasta, kalamata olive pasta, Mediterranean pasta bake, vegetarian pasta casserole
Servings: 8
Calories: 373kcal
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
- 1 12 oz can artichoke hearts, drained and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pitted kalamata olives halved
- 200 grams bocconcini mozzarella balls, halved (or more, for extra cheesy topping)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini until al dente, about 6–8 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender.
Stir in the cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly softened.
Add the sautéed vegetables, artichoke hearts, and olives to the cooked pasta. Toss to combine.
Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top evenly with halved mozzarella balls.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
Let cool for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Wrap individual portions in foil or containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a 375°F oven for 20 minutes.