This Easy Mediterranean One-Pot Pasta brings a taste of the sunny shores right to your kitchen! With tomatoes, olives, and peppers, it’s colorful and packed with flavor.
No one likes a big mess, and this dish keeps it simple—you cook everything in one pot! I love how quick it is to whip up, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using spaghetti or linguine for their easy cooking and perfect texture. If you want to switch it up, feel free to use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free spaghetti! Just note the cooking time might vary.
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are great for convenience, but you can also use cherry tomatoes or fresh tomatoes when they’re in season. Just chop them up and add! They will make the dish even fresher.
Olives: Kalamata olives are my favorite for their robust flavor. If you don’t have them, black olives or green olives will work too. Just make sure they’re pitted for easy eating!
Artichoke Hearts: I love using canned or jarred artichoke hearts for their ease, but frozen artichokes can work too. Simply thaw them before adding to the mix.
Herbs: Dried oregano is perfect here, but feel free to mix in fresh herbs like parsley or basil at the end for an extra burst of flavor. If you like a bit more heat, more red pepper flakes could add a nice kick!
How Do I Cook Pasta to Perfection in One Pot?
The cooking method is key to making this one-pot pasta dish a success. Here’s how to ensure your pasta is perfectly cooked and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- Start by adding all your ingredients to a large pot. Make sure the liquid is enough to cover the pasta well.
- Bring it to a boil over high heat. This gets everything cooking quickly!
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium. Keep stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Cook until the pasta is al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. The pasta should be firm to the bite but not hard.
- If it looks dry, add a little extra liquid. This helps to keep everything flavorful and prevents clumping.
And that’s it! Following these steps will help you create a wonderfully easy and flavorful dish without the fuss of multiple pots and pans.
Easy Mediterranean One-Pot Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Pasta: 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with liquid
- Onion: 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Garlic: 3–4 cloves minced
- Artichoke Hearts: 1 cup, quartered (canned or jarred)
- Olives: 1/2 cup pitted black olives (Kalamata or black)
- Vegetable Broth: 4 cups or water
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Herbs: 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt & Pepper: to taste
- Garnish: Fresh basil leaves, for serving
- Cheese: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or more, to taste)
- Optional: Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Time Estimate:
This Easy Mediterranean One-Pot Pasta will take you about 15 minutes to prep and around 12-15 minutes to cook. So, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in approximately 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine All Ingredients:
In a large pot or deep skillet, add the uncooked spaghetti, diced tomatoes (with their liquids), sliced red onion, minced garlic, artichoke hearts, and olives. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle in dried oregano, and add crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Finish with a pinch of salt and fresh black pepper.
2. Add Liquid:
Pour the vegetable broth or water into the pot, ensuring that all the ingredients are covered. If anything is sticking out, you might need to add a bit more liquid.
3. Bring to a Boil:
Set the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium and cook uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
4. Cook Until Al Dente:
Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente (it should still have a bite to it) and most of the liquid has been absorbed. The pasta will soak up all the wonderful Mediterranean flavors while cooking!
5. Season and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the pot from heat. Taste and season with additional salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh thyme sprigs if desired.
6. Enjoy Your Meal!
This one-pot technique makes cleanup super easy, and you can focus on enjoying this healthy, delicious Mediterranean dish. Enjoy your meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat pasta for added fiber or gluten-free pasta if needed. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary from traditional pasta—check the package instructions for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to help revive the pasta and prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan as it doesn’t contain any meat or dairy. Just skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative for a completely vegan dish.
What Can I Substitute for Artichoke Hearts?
If you don’t have artichoke hearts, you can leave them out or substitute with other vegetables like roasted red peppers or zucchini for added flavor and texture. Just be sure to chop them into manageable sizes for cooking.
