Name: Mediterranean One Pot Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 oz gluten-free pasta (chickpea, lentil, or corn/quinoa blend); 3 cups boiling water; 1 can vegetable broth; 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes; 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered; 1 cup black olives, pitted; ½ red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried); 1 tsp cumin; Sea salt and black pepper to taste; Optional: fresh basil, Parmesan cheese

There’s something deeply satisfying about a recipe that delivers big flavor, minimal cleanup, and wholesome ingredients—all in under 30 minutes. That’s exactly what this Mediterranean One Pot Pasta brings to the table. Picture this: tender gluten-free pasta simmering in a rich vegetable broth, mingling with tangy fire-roasted tomatoes, briny olives, and tender artichoke hearts. The best part? It all comes together in one pot, making it the perfect dish for a hectic weeknight or a lazy weekend dinner.

The first time I made this recipe, I was craving something fresh yet comforting, and I didn’t want to spend more time cleaning than cooking. With a few Mediterranean pantry staples on hand, I threw everything into one big pot and hoped for the best. Not only did it turn out delicious, but it also earned instant approval from my family. Since then, it’s become a regular in our dinner rotation.

What makes this Mediterranean One Pot Pasta really stand out is its simplicity. There’s no need to precook the pasta or make a separate sauce. The starch from the pasta thickens the broth as it cooks, creating a silky, flavorful coating on every bite. It’s a smart, healthy way to pack your dinner with vegetables and bold flavors without complicating your evening.

Whether you’re new to one-pot meals or just looking for a new go-to pasta recipe, this Mediterranean One Pot Pasta is sure to win you over. It’s vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free, and incredibly adaptable—ideal for feeding picky eaters or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a weeknight dream, and here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:

Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you’re looking at just 25 minutes. The hands-on time is minimal, and cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one pot.

Flavor-Packed: The combination of fire-roasted tomatoes, briny black olives, artichoke hearts, and aromatic herbs gives this dish an incredible depth of flavor with every bite.

Healthy and Wholesome: This pasta is rich in fiber, low in saturated fat, and brimming with veggies. It’s also naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it great for a variety of diets.

One Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to juggling multiple pots and pans. This dish is designed to be cooked entirely in one pot, making dinner prep and cleanup so much easier.

Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this meal. You can also tone down or amplify the flavors depending on your audience by adjusting the seasoning or add-ins.

Customizable: The base recipe is super flexible. You can swap out the vegetables, use different herbs, or even add protein like chickpeas or grilled chicken for a heartier version.

In short, this pasta is everything a busy cook needs: fast, foolproof, and delicious.

Health Benefits

Mediterranean-style diets are often praised for their health benefits, and this dish ticks many of those boxes. Here’s why this pasta isn’t just tasty—it’s also good for you:

Heart-Healthy Ingredients: Olives and artichokes are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats. These can support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.

High in Fiber: Thanks to the veggies and gluten-free pasta (especially if you use chickpea or lentil-based varieties), this meal offers a good dose of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and supports long-term satiety.

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Fire-roasted tomatoes provide vitamin C and lycopene, while the red onion contributes antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Lower in Calories: Each serving is relatively light, especially for a pasta dish, making it a good choice if you’re watching your calorie intake without sacrificing flavor.

Gluten-Free and Vegetarian: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions, it’s free of gluten and animal products—though you can add cheese or protein to suit your preference.

With these nutritional perks, this dish proves that comfort food and healthy eating can absolutely go hand in hand.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 25 minutes (10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cooking)

Servings: 4 generous portions

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 196
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 1370mg
Vitamin A: 1860 IU
Vitamin C: 29.3 mg
Calcium: 96 mg
Iron: 2.4 mg

This meal strikes a great balance between being nourishing and satisfying without overloading you with heavy ingredients.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this Mediterranean One Pot Pasta. Most of these items are pantry staples or easily found at any grocery store.

Pasta:

8 ounces gluten-free pasta (chickpea, lentil, or corn/quinoa blend)

Liquids:

3 cups boiling water
1 can (about 14 oz) vegetable broth

Vegetables & Add-ins:

1 can fire-roasted tomatoes
1 can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
1 cup black olives, pitted
½ red onion, thinly sliced

Seasonings:

2 tablespoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon cumin
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh basil leaves
Shredded Parmesan cheese (optional, for a vegetarian—not vegan—finish)

Each ingredient plays a specific role. The artichokes add a buttery texture, the olives give a salty punch, and the thyme and cumin add warmth and complexity.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Boil the Water
In a large, deep pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. This will serve as the base for cooking the pasta and building the sauce.
Add the Base Ingredients
Once boiling, add the gluten-free pasta, vegetable broth, sliced red onion, fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juice), artichoke hearts, black olives, thyme, and cumin. Stir well to combine.
Return to a Boil and Cook
Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture back to a full boil. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from clumping or sticking to the bottom.
Simmer the Mixture
Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a steady simmer. Continue stirring every couple of minutes. The pasta will begin releasing starch, which thickens the broth into a sauce.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency
Keep an eye on the liquid. If the sauce starts to get too thick before the pasta is fully cooked, add hot water in ½ cup increments. You want a creamy but not soupy consistency.
Season to Taste
Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce is silky, season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. You can also add more herbs or spices if desired.
Serve Immediately
Turn off the heat and serve the pasta straight from the pot. The sooner you serve it, the better the texture will be.
Garnish Before Serving
Top each plate with fresh basil and, if you’d like, a light dusting of Parmesan cheese. These optional garnishes bring a fresh and savory finish to the dish.

How to Serve

This Mediterranean One Pot Pasta is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the presentation and flavor by:

Topping with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano
Adding a sprinkle of vegan or traditional Parmesan
Drizzling with extra virgin olive oil for extra richness
Serving with a wedge of lemon on the side for brightness

Pairing Suggestions

To round out your meal, here are a few side dishes and beverages that pair beautifully with this pasta:

Side Dishes:

A crisp cucumber and tomato salad with a lemon vinaigrette
Toasted garlic bread made with gluten-free baguette
Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant

Beverages:

Sparkling water with lemon or mint
Freshly brewed mint tea
Pomegranate or berry juice for a sweet-tart complement

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so add a splash of water before reheating.

Freezing: While this dish is best fresh, it can be frozen. Portion into airtight freezer-safe containers and store for up to 1 month. Note that the texture of gluten-free pasta may soften slightly upon thawing.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a bit of broth or water to loosen the sauce and revive the creamy texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Pasta: Gluten-free pasta can turn mushy if overcooked. Keep a close eye and test for doneness early.
Not Stirring Often Enough: Since everything cooks together, regular stirring is important to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Using Too Much Water at Once: It’s better to add extra liquid gradually than to end up with a watery sauce.
Skipping the Salt: Seasoning is key. Taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Adding Cheese Too Early: Parmesan should be added at the end to prevent it from clumping or burning.

Pro Tips

Choose Pasta Wisely: Use chickpea, lentil, or corn-based gluten-free pasta. Avoid brown rice pasta for this one-pot method, as it tends to break down.
Balance Flavors: A splash of lemon juice or a few chili flakes can brighten or spice things up, respectively.
Add Protein: For a heartier version, stir in cooked chickpeas, grilled chicken, or turkey sausage after the pasta is done.
Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: These add a smoky depth that plain canned tomatoes lack.
Serve Immediately: Pasta keeps cooking even after the heat is off. Serve right away for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free?
Yes, but cooking times may vary slightly. Check the pasta package for guidance and adjust as needed.

Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, it’s fully vegan unless you choose to add cheese. You can also use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

What can I use instead of artichoke hearts?
Zucchini, roasted red peppers, or spinach are great substitutes.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir the pot every few minutes, especially during the first 10 minutes of cooking.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger pot to ensure even cooking, and keep an eye on the liquid levels.

Will the leftovers be mushy?
The texture does soften a bit, but reheating with added broth helps revive the pasta.

What kind of olives work best?
Black olives are mild and salty, but Kalamata olives add a stronger, tangy flavor.

Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced chili for a kick.

Is the cumin necessary?
Not at all—it adds warmth, but you can skip it or replace it with smoked paprika or oregano.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients in advance, but for best texture, cook the dish just before serving.

Conclusion & Call to Action

If you’ve been searching for a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed dinner, this Mediterranean One Pot Pasta is your new best friend. It’s fast, customizable, and sure to please the whole table, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself after a long day. Plus, it’s easy enough for weeknights but delicious enough for guests.

I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! If you give it a try, let me know in the comments or tag me on social media with a photo of your creation. Your feedback and creativity help bring these dishes to life.

Now go ahead—grab that pot and let’s get cooking!