Baked Pasta with Tomato Olive Sauce
A vibrant, one-pan dish combining tangy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta for a flavor-packed Mediterranean meal. This mediterranean-inspired pasta (mediterranean) ready in about 55 minutes blends spaghetti, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced kalamata olives into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced kalamata olives
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add cherry tomatoes and olives. Cook 5 minutes until tomatoes soften and olives release their oil.
- Step 3: Stir in vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss pasta into the skillet, adding 1/2 cup pasta water to bind the mixture. Fold in feta cheese until evenly distributed.
- Step 4: Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, and bake 20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Pasta with Tomato Olive Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Baked Pasta with Tomato Olive Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Pasta with Tomato Olive Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Pasta with Tomato Olive Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Pasta with Tomato Olive Sauce?
Mediterranean pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
