Name: One-Pot Mediterranean Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 Tbsp avocado oil or other vegetable oil; 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried red pepper flakes; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 10 ounces grape tomatoes; 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; 2 tbsp capers, from a jar with brine; 3 cups brown rice pasta (10 ounces); 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 3 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock if not vegetarian); 12 ounce jar of roasted red peppers, sliced; 2 handfuls fresh spinach; 8 ounces pearled fresh mozzarella

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Get ready to fall head over heels for this vibrant, hearty One-Pot Mediterranean Pasta! This dish brings the magic of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen, with an irresistible combination of juicy tomatoes, briny olives, chickpeas, and creamy mozzarella—all simmered to perfection in a single pot. Every bite is bursting with color, texture, and bold flavors, yet it comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Whether you’re a pasta devotee or just love a good meal that’s easy to clean up, One-Pot Mediterranean Pasta is about to become your new go-to comfort-food favorite.

One-Pot Mediterranean Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward, everyday ingredients—each one adds its own delicious touch, from the sweetness of roasted red peppers to the salty pop of capers. Gather these essentials and you’re halfway to a Mediterranean getaway in your own home!

Avocado oil: Adds a subtle, buttery richness and helps the veggies sauté beautifully.
Yellow onion: The perfect mellow-sweet base for the sauce—finely chopping ensures even cooking.
Garlic cloves: Brings in that classic Mediterranean aroma; mince for the best flavor distribution.
Dried oregano: Adds depth and earthiness; don’t skip this, it’s key to the signature taste!
Red pepper flakes: A little heat keeps every bite lively (adjust more or less to your taste).
Kosher salt: Draws out and enhances all those natural vegetable flavors.
Grape tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they burst into a saucy goodness as they cook.
Kalamata olives: Instantly bring Mediterranean flair with their tangy, briny punch.
Capers: These tiny gems add an irresistible salty tang that brightens the whole dish.
Brown rice pasta: Hearty, tender, and gluten-free—this pasta holds up beautifully and soaks in the flavors.
Chickpeas: Creamy, protein-packed, and they make the pasta extra hearty.
Vegetable stock: The liquid gold for building a cozy, flavorful sauce in just minutes.
Roasted red peppers: Sweet, smoky strips that add color and a hint of charred flavor.
Fresh spinach: Fold in at the end for pops of green and a boost of nutrition.
Pearled fresh mozzarella: Mild and creamy, these pearls melt just perfectly into pockets of gooey goodness.

How to Make One-Pot Mediterranean Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the avocado oil over medium-high in a big, sturdy pot—nothing fancy, just roomy enough for everything to stretch out. Toss in your chopped onions and let them soften for about two minutes, stirring so nothing sticks. Add the garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt next—the scent when they hit the pan is pure Mediterranean comfort. Let them cook just a minute, releasing all their delicious flavors into the oil.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Next up, add your grape tomatoes, sliced kalamata olives, and salty capers. Let them mingle over the heat for about three minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll see the tomatoes starting to burst and turn saucy while the olives and capers infuse everything with that irresistible briny bite. It’s a flavor party in the making!

Step 3: Add Pasta, Chickpeas, and Stock

Now’s the moment to add in the brown rice pasta, drained chickpeas, and your savory vegetable stock. Raise the heat until you see a gentle, happy boil—this is where the magic happens. Give it a big stir and get ready for everything to meld. As soon as it’s boiling, add in the sliced roasted red peppers, then pop the lid on and turn it down to a simmer. Let it cook for 6–8 minutes, just until the pasta is perfectly al dente. Check once in a while and add a splash of extra broth if things look dry.

Step 4: Wilt in the Greens and Add Cheese

Almost there! Remove the lid, fold in the two generous handfuls of fresh spinach, and watch them melt right into the pasta. Scatter your pearl mozzarella on top, then give everything one last gentle mix. Let the mozzarella get just soft and gooey—don’t overdo it!—and then you’re ready to plate and eat.

How to Serve One-Pot Mediterranean Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs—think basil or parsley—brings a green, fragrant pop to each bowl. For even more flavor, try a last-minute drizzle of olive oil or a few extra red pepper flakes. Many fans also love a sprinkle of lemon zest for zippy freshness, or a dusting of Parmesan if you’re feeling extra cheesy. The sky’s the limit here!

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty enough to serve as the main event, but it also loves playing well with others! Think crisp focaccia, a simple cucumber-tomato salad, or a platter of roasted Mediterranean veggies. These sides keep the meal light and bright, rounding it out beautifully without overshadowing those bold, sun-soaked flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve One-Pot Mediterranean Pasta straight from the pot family-style, letting everyone help themselves (it’s rustic and fun). For a little upscale flair, plate it in wide, shallow bowls and top each portion with a swirl of olive oil and a few extra mozzarella pearls. Want to really wow guests? Turn leftovers into a chilled pasta salad—just toss with extra spinach and a squeeze of lemon before serving!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftover One-Pot Mediterranean Pasta, simply let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, and the pasta holds up surprisingly well with all those chickpeas and veggies—no mushy noodles here!

Freezing

While this pasta is best fresh, you absolutely can freeze extras for up to two months. Let it cool completely, then portion into zip-top bags or freezer-safe containers. A quick tip: hold back a little of the cheese and add it fresh when reheating for the creamiest results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop your pasta in a pot with a splash of extra broth or water to revive the sauce. Warm gently on the stove over medium, stirring so it heats through evenly. For a single serving, the microwave works well too—just cover loosely and heat in 45-second bursts, stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While brown rice pasta keeps things gluten-free and hearty, you can substitute another short pasta like penne, rotini, or regular elbow macaroni. Just keep an eye on the cooking time—some varieties may cook faster or need a bit more liquid.

Is it possible to make this vegan?

Yes, you can! Simply skip the cheese or use your favorite plant-based mozzarella or feta alternative. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan, and it still tastes absolutely scrumptious.

What if I don’t have kalamata olives or capers?

No worries—this dish is flexible. Green olives can sub in for kalamata, and if you’re out of capers, just add a little extra olive brine or a splash of lemon juice for brightness. The key is to keep some tangy, salty notes in the mix.

Can I add extra protein?

Definitely! While One-Pot Mediterranean Pasta already packs a protein punch with chickpeas, you can stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tofu at the end. Just make sure your add-ins are precooked, as the main pasta only needs a short simmer.

How can I prevent gluten-free pasta from turning mushy?

The trick is to use good-quality brown rice pasta, stir it well as it cooks, and keep an eye on the liquid level. Don’t overcook! It should be tender with a bit of bite—taste test a minute or two before the package says it’s done to be sure.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fuss-free dinner that pops with flavor and color, it’s tough to beat One-Pot Mediterranean Pasta. It’s endlessly adaptable, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to turn any meal into a Mediterranean feast. Give it a try, and you just might find yourself craving it week after week!