Mediterranean 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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean 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 Mediterranean 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 Mediterranean 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 Mediterranean 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 Mediterranean 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.
