Name: Baked Mediterranean Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb. rotini pasta; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste); 1 (12 oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved; 200 grams bocconcini (mozzarella balls), halved (or more for extra cheesy topping); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped; Parmesan cheese, grated

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 1 review

If you have been searching for a vibrant, comforting dish that bursts with flavors from sunny shores, this Baked Mediterranean Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a crowd-pleaser packed with juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, creamy bocconcini, and tender artichokes, all brought together by perfectly cooked rotini and a golden, bubbly cheese topping that makes every bite irresistible. This recipe balances fresh ingredients and simple techniques to create a homey dish that feels both wholesome and festive, ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two white pans side by side, both on a white marbled surface. The left pan contains small red and orange cherry tomatoes, some whole and some split, mixed in an oily, herb-filled sauce with visible garlic pieces. The colors are warm and rich with shiny textures from the oil and herbs. The right pan has a base layer of pale yellow spiral pasta filling most of the space. On top, there are three main separated layers: white pieces of cooked chicken on the upper left, a pile of dark purple-black sliced olives in the center, and a small group of the same red and orange cherry tomatoes in the lower right. The ingredients are fresh and colorful with clear separation between layers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this dish lies in how straightforward the ingredients are, each adding its own special dimension—whether it’s the brightness, texture, or richness. These pantry staples and fresh components come together effortlessly to create that classic Mediterranean vibe on your plate.

1 lb. rotini pasta: Its spiral shape holds sauce and cheese beautifully, making every forkful flavorful.
1/4 cup olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps soften the aromatics.
1 medium onion, diced: Builds the savory base with a natural sweetness when cooked.
1 tablespoon garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, fragrant intensity.
3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved: Brings juicy, bright pops of flavor and a lovely color contrast.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds an aromatic hint of the Mediterranean countryside.
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Enhances all other flavors without overpowering.
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste): Gives a subtle, sharp bite that livens the dish.
1 (12 oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and cut into bite-sized pieces: Adds a tender, slightly tangy element that complements the olives.
1 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved: Their deep, salty character is a Mediterranean signature ingredient.
200 grams bocconcini (mozzarella balls), halved: Melts into creamy pockets of cheesy goodness; feel free to add more for extra indulgence.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for serving): Offers a fresh herbal brightness to finish the dish.
Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for serving): Adds a nutty, savory punch as a final touch.

How to Make Baked Mediterranean Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s primed and ready when the pasta is cooked. Then, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt not only seasons the pasta but also enhances its flavor during cooking. Toss in the rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente—firm but tender to the bite. Drain it well and let it rest in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Tomatoes

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When you see the oil shimmering, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. The sizzling sound is music to the ears! Cook these until soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes, sprinkling in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let the tomatoes soften slightly for a minute or two, releasing their natural juices and creating a savory sauce layer.

Step 3: Combine Pasta with Mediterranean Goodies

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the drained artichoke hearts and those luscious kalamata olives to the skillet and stir to combine. Then fold in the cooked rotini pasta, ensuring every piece gets coated in that delicious tomato mixture. Transfer this vibrant pasta blend into a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly and creating the perfect canvas for the final cheesy topping.

Step 4: Top with Bocconcini and Bake

Scatter the halved bocconcini mozzarella balls generously over the pasta surface. These little cheese bombs will melt and turn golden in the oven, providing the signature gooey, melty texture that makes baked pasta so comforting. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and has a lovely golden crust. Once out of the oven, let the pasta cool for about 15 minutes—this resting time helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve.

How to Serve Baked Mediterranean Pasta Recipe

A bowl filled with twisted rotini pasta as the base layer, light beige in color and mixed with small green herb pieces scattered throughout. On top and throughout the pasta, there are bright red and orange roasted cherry tomatoes with a slightly wrinkled texture. Black olive pieces are spread evenly, adding dark contrast to the dish. Light-colored small chopped onions and garlic pieces are visible, mixed with the pasta. The dish is lightly sprinkled with shredded white cheese, giving a fine textured finish on top. The bowl is white with small brown speckles, set on a white marbled surface with some green herb pieces scattered nearby, and a beige textured cloth laying beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten your baked pasta with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh herbal notes that contrast beautifully with the rich cheese. For those who appreciate an extra savory hit, a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds wonderful depth and a sharp finish that complements the Mediterranean flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can create a full Mediterranean-inspired meal by adding a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or some warm, fluffy garlic bread to sop up every last bit of cheesy sauce. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers also pair wonderfully and bring additional texture and nutrients to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the Baked Mediterranean Pasta Recipe in a rustic casserole straight from the oven, allowing everyone to dish up their portions family-style. Alternatively, portion into individual gratin dishes for a charming, personalized touch. Garnish each serving with a sprig of parsley or a few extra olives to make each plate look inviting and vibrant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked Mediterranean pasta keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making the next day’s meal equally delicious. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this lovely meal later, it freezes well too. After baking, let it cool completely, then transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or wraps. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. In the oven, cover the pasta with foil and warm at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. In the microwave, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot. Adding a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil before reheating will keep the pasta moist and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Baked Mediterranean Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for trapping sauce and cheese, other shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work beautifully as well. Just adjust cooking times as needed to achieve al dente texture.

Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, this baked Mediterranean pasta is completely vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by swapping the bocconcini with a plant-based cheese or omitting it altogether while adding extra vegetables.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is mild and focused on savory, herbaceous flavors. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onion.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the pasta and sauce components in advance, combine them right before baking, then cook fresh. This makes it a great dish for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

What can I do if I don’t have bocconcini?

No worries! Fresh mozzarella works just as well, or you can substitute with shredded mozzarella for easy layering. Feta cheese can also add a nice tangy twist if you prefer a saltier note.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Baked Mediterranean Pasta Recipe enough for anyone looking to brighten up their meal rotation with something both simple and exciting. It captures all the best Mediterranean flavors in one satisfying, cheesy casserole that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a go—you’ll love how effortlessly delicious and comforting it turns out!