This Mediterranean One Pot Pasta is a delightful mix of fresh veggies, herbs, and pasta all cooked in one pot! You’ll love how easy it is to whip up a tasty meal without the fuss of multiple dishes.
Plus, the flavors are so vibrant that you might just feel like you’re enjoying a sunny day by the coast! I like to toss in some extra cheese on top—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine works great here. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, try rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. Whole wheat pasta is another healthy substitute that adds fiber.
Diced Tomatoes: Using tomatoes with herbs adds flavor easily. If you can’t find them, canned plain tomatoes work too; just season with a bit more oregano or Italian herbs.
Vegetable Broth: For a richer taste, you can use chicken broth. If you’re vegan, make sure to stick with vegetable or mushroom broth. Homemade broth is always a plus if you have it!
Black Olives: If black olives aren’t your preference, green olives can work too for a saltier taste. Skip the olives altogether if you’re not a fan.
Artichoke Hearts: If artichokes aren’t available, you could use canned mushrooms or roasted peppers. Fresh artichokes are also a delicious yet more challenging option!
How Can I Ensure the Pasta Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta in one pot with other ingredients can be tricky. The key is to keep an eye on the heat and the water level. Start with a medium heat and stir occasionally.
- After adding the pasta, bring the mixture to a boil and cover the pot.
- Reduce heat to medium-low to prevent burning. This helps the pasta absorb the flavors.
- Check for doneness after about 10 minutes. The pasta should be al dente; it will continue cooking a little after you remove it from the heat.
- If it seems too dry, splash in a bit more broth or water.
Letting it sit after cooking helps thicken the sauce. Trust me, those extra moments make a difference in texture!
How to Make Mediterranean One Pot Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (preferably with herbs)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup pitted black olives, halved
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, quartered (canned or frozen)
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious one pot pasta recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes to have a tasty meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by placing a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up a bit. Toss in the thinly sliced red onion and sauté it for about 3-5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it releases a lovely aroma.
2. Combine All Ingredients:
Now it’s time to mix in all the fun ingredients! Stir in the diced tomatoes (don’t forget their juices), vegetable broth, halved black olives, quartered artichoke hearts, and your uncooked spaghetti. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to combine.
3. Cook the Pasta:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once you see those lovely bubbles, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs the delicious flavors. You’re looking for the pasta to be al dente and the liquid mostly absorbed.
4. Final Touches:
After cooking, remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This will help it thicken a bit. Once you’re ready to serve, dish it out while it’s warm, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean One Pot Pasta! It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or to impress guests.
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine are great choices, you can substitute with any pasta you like. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes may require varying amounts of time to become al dente!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or water to bring back its moisture!
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes, this recipe is already vegan if you skip the Parmesan cheese! You can also use nutritional yeast as a substitute for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Just sprinkle it on top before serving for extra flavor!
What Should I Do If It’s Too Dry?
If you find your pasta is too dry after cooking, simply add a little more vegetable broth or water and stir well. Let it sit for a minute to absorb the liquid, then give it another gentle stir before serving!
