Description
Life can get hectic, can’t it? Between juggling family, work, and everything in between, finding time to whip up a delicious meal can feel overwhelming. That’s where this Baked Mediterranean Pasta comes into play! It’s not just a quick solution for busy days; it’s a dish that bursts with flavor and love. Packed with vibrant Mediterranean ingredients, this meal will impress your loved ones and leave everyone satisfied. Trust me, once you pull this cheesy goodness from the oven, the smiles will be worth every minute you spent in the kitchen!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) rigatoni or penne pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/3 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften and burst.
- In a large bowl, mix pasta with sautéed tomatoes, garlic, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped basil, pesto, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden. Broil for 2–3 minutes if desired for extra browning.
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the pesto is meat-free.
- Can substitute other types of pasta based on preference.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for more nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 40mg