One Pot Mediterranean Pasta

This Mediterranean one pot pasta has become my weeknight dinner hero when I need something nutritious yet incredibly simple to prepare. The combination of pantry staples transforms into a vibrant, flavor-packed meal with minimal effort and just one pot to clean afterward.

I first created this recipe during a particularly chaotic week when I was desperate for something healthy that wouldn't require hours in the kitchen. Now it's become my most requested quick dinner when friends come over unexpectedly.

Ingredients

• Gluten free pasta The base of our dish. I recommend corn quinoa blend or protein rich chickpea lentil varieties for the best texture that holds up well in the one pot cooking method
• Water and vegetable broth Creates our flavorful cooking liquid that reduces down to a silky sauce
• Fire roasted tomatoes Adds a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color. The canned variety provides convenience while still delivering great taste
• Artichoke hearts Brings a tender meaty texture and subtle tanginess. Look for ones packed in water rather than oil for this recipe
• Black olives Provides that classic briny Mediterranean flavor and meaty texture that makes this dish special
• Purple onion Adds a pleasant sweetness and beautiful color contrast. Slice them thin for quicker cooking
• Fresh thyme Infuses the entire dish with an earthy herbaceous quality. Fresh is preferable but dried works in a pinch
• Cumin Adds a warm earthiness that ties all the Mediterranean flavors together
• Salt and pepper For seasoning to taste
• Optional parmesan and fresh basil For the perfect finishing touch that elevates the entire dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the base

Bring water to a rolling boil in a large deep pot. This initial high heat is crucial for properly cooking the pasta and beginning the sauce reduction process.

Combine all ingredients

Add pasta vegetable broth onions tomatoes artichoke hearts olives thyme and cumin to the boiling water. The order matters here as adding everything at once allows the flavors to meld together perfectly from the start.

Initial cooking phase

Return the mixture to a boil over high heat stirring with tongs to prevent the pasta from sticking together. This initial hot cooking phase helps the pasta release its starches which will later thicken our sauce.

Manage the cooking process

Reduce heat slightly but maintain a gentle boil stirring occasionally with tongs. Pay close attention during this phase as the liquid reduces to prevent sticking to the pot bottom. The pasta will absorb the flavors as it cooks.

Adjust consistency

Watch carefully as the liquid reduces and becomes sauce like. If your pasta needs additional cooking time add hot water in small amounts to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or the pasta from sticking.

Season to taste

Once the pasta is nearly cooked and the sauce has reduced to your preferred consistency season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as the canned ingredients already contain some salt.

Serve immediately

Transfer quickly to plates to prevent the pasta from overcooking in the hot broth. The timing is important here as gluten free pastas can become mushy if left too long in the hot liquid.

Garnish and enjoy

Top with optional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for the perfect finishing touch that brings all the Mediterranean flavors together.

Bookmark

My personal favorite element of this dish is the fire roasted tomatoes which add such a depth of flavor with zero extra effort. My family started requesting this dish weekly after I switched from regular canned tomatoes to the fire roasted variety the difference was that noticeable.

Make It Your Own

This Mediterranean pasta welcomes customization based on what you have available. For a protein boost add a can of drained chickpeas or white beans during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively a handful of fresh spinach stirred in just before serving adds beautiful color and extra nutrients. The recipe is extremely forgiving with substitutions.

Storage Tips

This pasta keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight. When reheating add a small splash of water or broth as the pasta will have absorbed some of the sauce. For best results warm gently on the stovetop rather than using a microwave to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this vibrant pasta with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil for a complete meal. A glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the Mediterranean flavors perfectly. For a heartier meal add a side of warm crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use regular wheat pasta instead of gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular wheat pasta in equal amounts. Just be aware that different pasta types may have slightly different cooking times, so adjust accordingly and test for doneness as you cook.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Stir the pasta occasionally with tongs as directed in the instructions. This prevents the pasta from clumping together and from sticking to the bottom of the pot, especially important since this is cooked in less water than traditional pasta methods.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! This dish works well with added protein. Try adding chickpeas for a vegetarian option, or cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage if you eat meat. Add pre-cooked proteins near the end of cooking time.

→ What if my pasta needs more cooking time but the liquid is reducing too quickly?

As mentioned in the instructions, if your pasta needs more time to cook but the liquid is reducing too quickly, simply add more hot water, 1/2 cup at a time. This will give the pasta more time to soften while maintaining a proper sauce consistency.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best served immediately after cooking. The pasta continues to absorb liquid as it sits, potentially becoming overcooked or mushy. If you must prepare ahead, consider undercooking the pasta slightly and adding a splash of hot water when reheating.

→ Are there any suitable substitutes for artichoke hearts?

If you don't have or don't enjoy artichoke hearts, try substituting with roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even sautéed zucchini for a different but complementary Mediterranean flavor.