Imagine twirling perfectly cooked pasta around your fork, each strand coated in a vibrant, tangy sauce bursting with sun-kissed Mediterranean flavors. Sun-dried tomatoes add a chewy bite of sweetness, while Kalamata olives deliver a salty, briny punch. Crumbled feta cheese melts slightly, adding a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the richness. That’s the experience waiting for you with this one-pot Mediterranean pasta recipe!
I remember the first time I made a similar one-pot pasta dish. It was a weeknight, I was exhausted, and the thought of washing multiple pots and pans made me want to order takeout. That’s when the beauty of the one-pot Mediterranean pasta concept hit me –minimal effort, maximum flavor. This Mediterranean version takes that ease to a whole new level!
This recipe isn’t just about saving time; it’s about savoring flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome meal on the table in minutes, or for a relaxed weekend lunch. The subtle heat from a pinch of red pepper flakes is lovely, and the fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous finish. Anyone who appreciates bold flavors and appreciates quick and easy main dishes will adore this recipe. So, ditch the takeout menu and embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of this one-pot Mediterranean pasta meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning Fast: Ready in just 20 minutes!
- One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to mountains of dirty dishes.
- Flavor Explosion: Tangy, salty, sweet, and herbaceous – a true Mediterranean delight!
- Perfectly Al Dente: The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the incredible flavors.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it warm, cold, or at room temperature. It’s great for lunchboxes too!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a good pasta dish, and this one is a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Pasta: This recipe works best with shorter pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli. These shapes hold the sauce well and cook evenly in a one-pot environment. Choose a high-quality pasta for optimal texture. While you can technically use long pasta like spaghetti, breaking it in half before adding it to the pot is necessary. This one-pot Mediterranean pasta works perfectly with rotini!
- Vegetable Broth: The base of our sauce. Choose low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. You can substitute chicken broth or even water with a bouillon cube if needed.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add a concentrated burst of sweet-tart flavor. Choose oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor, or rehydrate dry-packed tomatoes according to package instructions.
- Kalamata Olives: Their salty, briny flavor is essential for the Mediterranean vibe. Pitted olives are the easiest to use. You can substitute it with other types of olives, but Kalamata is the best.
- Feta Cheese: Adds a creamy, salty, tangy finish. Look for feta packed in brine; it has better flavor and texture than pre-crumbled feta. It’s best to use fresh feta.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a bright, herbaceous note. Don’t skip this! Dried basil just doesn’t compare.
- Garlic: Essential for flavor. Use fresh garlic for the best results.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but adds a nice touch of heat.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for both flavor and health benefits.
Kitchen Tools Needed
To embrace the simplicity of one-pot pasta, you’ll only need these minimal tools:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- 18/10 Stainless Steel: The Cook N Home Stainless Steel Stock Pot is made of mirror-polished 18/10 stainless steel, makin…
- Medium Capacity: The Stainless Steel Soup Pot can hold the right amount of ingredients and soup for family use and is ea…
- Induction Compatible: Our cooking pot is induction compatible and works with various heat sources, including gas, electr…
How to Make This One-pot Mediterranean Pasta
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the pasta, vegetable broth, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, minced garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- If the pasta absorbs all the liquid before it’s fully cooked, add a little more broth, a quarter cup at a time, until it reaches the desired doneness.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil. The feta will melt slightly from the heat.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding salt and pepper to your preference.
- Serve immediately. If you like, drizzle with a bit more olive oil and garnish with extra fresh basil and feta crumbles.
- Enjoy your delicious, stress-free one-pot Mediterranean pasta dish!
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark. You want the pasta to be al dente, with a slight bite. Overcooked pasta will be mushy, and no one wants that!
- Stir Frequently: This helps prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensures even cooking.
- Adjust the Broth: The amount of broth needed may vary depending on the type of pasta you use. Add more broth if the pasta is drying out too quickly.
- Don’t be Afraid of Salt: Kalamata olives and feta cheese are already salty. Taste before adding more salt to the dish.
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would all be delicious additions to this one-pot Mediterranean pasta. Incorporate it alongside Main Dishes for a more fulfilling experience.
- Make Ahead: While best served fresh, the pasta can be made ahead of time and reheated. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to prevent it from drying out.
Variations and Dietary Swaps
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta. Check the cooking time, as it may vary from regular pasta.
- Dairy-Free: Omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free feta alternative. This substitution for this one-port pasta is quick and easy.
- Vegetable Power: Add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to the pot along with the pasta.
- Spicy: Add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: This pasta makes a great side dish for grilled chicken or fish.
- Simple Salad: Pair with a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Garnish: Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens it all up.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover one-pot Mediterranean pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb more of the sauce as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. The texture of the pasta might be slightly softer after reheating.
This one-pot Mediterranean pasta with feta and olives is a weeknight winner, guaranteed to become a new favorite in your rotation. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor – what more could you ask for? Give it a try and let me know what you think! Did you add any special ingredients? Share your creations and tag us on social media! Find Culinary Craving on Instagram and Facebook.
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Frequently Asked Questions
One-Pot Mediterranean Pasta with Feta and Olives
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or fusilli
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
- 4 ounces feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the pasta, vegetable broth, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat and stir in the feta cheese and fresh basil.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding salt and pepper to your preference.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- 450 calories
- 20g fat
- 55g carbs
- 15g protein
- Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
- Add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
