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Baked Mediterranean Pasta

Baked Mediterranean Pasta: A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Delight

Baked Mediterranean Pasta is a flavorful dish that combines Mediterranean ingredients for a comforting meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Rotini Pasta can substitute with penne or fusilli
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil extra virgin preferred
  • 1 medium Onion can substitute with shallots
  • 2 cloves Garlic fresh garlic preferred
  • 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes can substitute with canned tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning can use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 cup Artichoke Hearts canned or thawed frozen
For the Flavor Boost
  • 1/2 cup Pitted Kalamata Olives can substitute with green olives
  • 8 oz Bocconcini (Mozzarella Balls) can use shredded mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley optional garnish
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese can substitute with Pecorino Romano or omit

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  4. Stir in halved cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and pitted Kalamata olives. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until tomatoes soften.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the vegetable sauce from the skillet. Gently fold in the bocconcini and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Grease a baking dish with olive oil and pour the pasta mixture into it, spreading evenly. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil.
  7. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden.
  8. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

You can enhance this dish by adding cooked protein like chicken or shrimp and opting for fresh ingredients whenever possible.

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