Amazing Mediterranean One Pot Pasta: 30 Min Wonder

Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! If you’re anything like me, you love amazing food but hate the thought of a mountain of dishes afterwards. That’s where this incredible Mediterranean One Pot Pasta comes in. Seriously, it’s a game-changer! I was trying to recreate the flavors of our favorite Greek vacation meals without all the fuss, and bam this beauty was born. It’s got all those sun kissed Mediterranean vibes olives, tomatoes, feta all in one pot, ready in under 30 minutes. It’s become my go to for busy weeknights, and I just know you’re going to love it just as much as we do!

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean One Pot Pasta

Seriously, what’s not to love? This recipe is:

• Super Speedy: Ready from start to finish in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights!
• Incredibly Easy: All the magic happens in one pot. Less fuss, more flavor!
• Packed with Flavor: All those delicious Mediterranean ingredients like olives and feta really shine.
• Minimal Cleanup: My favorite part! Just one pot to wash means more time to relax.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable with your favorite veggies or a bit of protein if you like.

Gather Your Ingredients for Mediterranean One Pot Pasta

Alright, let’s get everything ready so we can make some pasta magic! You’ll want to have all of this handy.

For the Pasta Base:

• 1 pound linguine or spaghetti (use what you have!)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium is great if you have it)
• 1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes, don’t drain them!
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (oh, the smell!)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (totally optional, but I love the little kick they give!)

For the Delicious Add-ins:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (ooh, salty goodness!)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (for that perfect tangy finish)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, just to your liking

It really is that simple! All these amazing flavors coming together so easily. For more inspiration, you can always check out my original Mediterranean One Pot Pasta post!

Essential Equipment for Your Mediterranean One Pot Pasta

You really don’t need much for this glorious one-pot wonder! Just grab these basics:

• A large pot or Dutch oven – big enough to hold everything!
• A sharp knife
• A trusty cutting board

That’s it! See? So easy!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mediterranean One Pot Pasta

Alright, let’s get this dinner party started – all in one pot! It’s so satisfying to see all these simple ingredients come together. Follow along, and you’ll have a fantastic meal on the table in no time. Trust me, this method really makes weeknight cooking feel like a breeze.

Combining the Base Ingredients

First things first, grab your big pot or Dutch oven. dump in your pasta, vegetable broth, those undrained diced tomatoes (juice and all!), your chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, and if you’re feeling a little spicy, those red pepper flakes. Give it all a good stir just to make sure everything is happy and mixed together before we start cooking.

Simmering the Pasta to Perfection

Now, turn the heat up to medium-high and bring that glorious mixture to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling away, turn the heat down to medium-low, pop a lid on, and let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want the pasta to be perfectly al dente. Oh, and don’t forget to stir it gently every now and then – this is key to making sure nothing sticks to the bottom. It’s like giving your pasta a little hug!

Adding the Fresh Elements

Once the pasta is just about done, it’s time to toss in those halved cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives. Stir them in and let everything cook for just another 2 or 3 minutes. You want the cherry tomatoes to soften up a bit, releasing some of their lovely sweetness, but not turn to mush.

Finishing Touches and Seasoning

Take that pot off the heat. Now for the best part – adding in that lovely olive oil, fresh parsley, and that crumbled feta cheese. Stir it all through gently. This is where it all comes together! Don’t forget to taste it and add a little salt and black pepper until it’s just right for you. Sometimes, depending on the broth and olives, you might not need much extra salt at all!

Serving Your Delicious Mediterranean One Pot Pasta

And there you have it! Spoon that beautiful pasta directly from the pot into bowls. Serve it up immediately while it’s hot and cheesy. If you love other one-pot wonders, you might want to check out my easy chicken and rice or this chicken mozzarella pasta!

Tips for the Best Mediterranean One Pot Pasta

Okay, so making this one-pot wonder is pretty foolproof, but I’ve picked up a few little tricks over the years that just make it even better. You know, those little things that take it from good to *wow*!

First off, don’t be afraid to stir! I know it’s a one-pot dish, but giving that pasta a gentle stir every few minutes while it simmers is crucial. It stops it from getting clingy on the bottom and ensures all those noodles cook evenly. It’s also a good time to make sure the liquid is just right – not too dry, not too soupy. Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, tossing in some baby spinach or even a handful of artichoke hearts along with the cherry tomatoes is fantastic! It’s like my chicken sausage broccoli orzo – always room for a few extra goodies!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Let’s chat a bit about these ingredients, because sometimes you need to make a switch, right? I’ve found this pasta is super forgiving! For the spaghetti or linguine, pretty much any long pasta shape will work. Penne or rotini are also fun if that’s what you’ve got in your pantry. If you’re not a fan of Kalamata olives, feel free to swap them for Castelvetrano or even skip them if they’re not your jam. And you know, I often use a mix of parsley and dill for freshness, which is lovely too. If you’re looking to pack in more flavor, check out my chickpea feta salad for more inspiration on Mediterranean flavors!

Frequently Asked Questions about Mediterranean One Pot Pasta

Got questions? I’ve got answers! This pasta is pretty straightforward, but I know you might be wondering about a few things. Let’s clear them up!

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! While linguine or spaghetti are my go-to, feel free to use penne, rotini, or even fusilli. Just make sure the liquid ratio is roughly the same. Sometimes, shorter pasta shapes might cook a touch faster, so keep an eye on it!

How do I make this vegetarian?

Great news – it’s already mostly vegetarian! Just make sure you’re using vegetable broth. That’s it! It’s a fantastic meatless Monda meal.

Can I add protein?

You sure can! For a vegetarian option, adding a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas when you add the cherry tomatoes is delicious. If you like meat, cooked shredded chicken or shrimp can be stirred in right at the end, just long enough to heat through. Check out my garlic parmesan chicken pasta or this chicken orzo for more ideas on adding protein!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this Mediterranean One Pot Pasta is an estimate, okay? It all depends on the exact brands you use and how much of that yummy feta cheese you pile on! But generally, you’re looking at around 500-600 calories per serving, with a good balance of carbs, healthy fats, and protein.

Share Your Mediterranean One Pot Pasta Creation!

I absolutely *love* seeing your creations! If you try this Mediterranean One Pot Pasta, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. A star rating is super helpful too! And if you snap any pictures, tag me on social media – seeing your delicious pasta makes my day! You can even read more about my kitchen adventures over on my about page!