This Mediterranean One Pot Pasta is a simple and fast meal that packs a lot of flavor. You’ll enjoy the fresh veggies, garlic, and a hint of lemon that bring everything together.
I love how this dish cooks in one pot, so the clean-up is super easy! Plus, it makes a great dinner after a busy day—just toss in your ingredients and let it bubble away!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine are the stars here. However, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne or fettuccine. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it might vary based on the shape.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add rich flavor and moisture. If you’re out of canned, use fresh tomatoes (about 2-3 medium ones, diced). You can also try crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
Vegetable Broth: This gives a wonderful depth to the dish. If you’re making it vegetarian, go for a low-sodium broth. Chicken broth works too if you aren’t worried about it being vegetarian.
Black Olives: I love the brininess they bring. If you’re not a fan, you can leave them out or switch to green olives for a different flavor profile.
Artichoke Hearts: Canned or frozen artichokes are perfect for quick use. If you can’t find these, feel free to skip them or use mushrooms for a hearty texture.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor When Cooking One Pot Pasta?
Getting the best flavor from your ingredients is key in one-pot cooking. Start by sautéing your onions and garlic with olive oil. This step builds a great base for your dish.
- Heat the oil on medium before adding sliced red onions; cook until they’re soft and translucent.
- Next, add minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant — don’t rush this step. It enhances the dish’s aroma and taste.
Mix in your other ingredients and let everything bubble together. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully into the pasta as everything cooks together!
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 black olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, quartered (canned or frozen)
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mediterranean one pot pasta takes about 15 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to cook, totaling around 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy meal that packs a lot of flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced red onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft. This will create a lovely base for your pasta.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, black olives, artichoke hearts, oregano, red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil—this will make your kitchen smell amazing!
4. Cook the Pasta:
Once the mixture is boiling, add your spaghetti or linguine. Give it a good stir to make sure the pasta is well submerged in the liquid. This helps it cook evenly.
5. Simmer to Perfection:
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for the pasta to be tender and for most of the liquid to be absorbed.
6. Add Fresh Basil:
After the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the torn fresh basil leaves. This adds a burst of freshness that really brightens the dish.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Dish up the pasta while it’s hot, and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delightful Mediterranean one pot pasta right away!
Can I Substitute a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine works wonderfully, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta types may take longer or shorter to cook.
Can I Use Fresh Vegetables Instead of Canned?
Yes, fresh veggies can be a great substitute! You might consider adding diced bell peppers, fresh artichokes, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to sauté them a bit longer to ensure they soften before adding the liquids.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb more liquid over time, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring back the creaminess.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Definitely! To make this dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative. You can also enhance the flavor with nutritional yeast for a cheesy vibe!
