Description
This Oven Baked Mediterranean Spaghetti is a simple, all-in-one dish combining spaghetti, savory marinara sauce, and Mediterranean ingredients like olives, artichoke hearts, and baby tomatoes. Baked to perfection and garnished with feta cheese and fresh parsley, it offers a flavorful, hearty meal with minimal prep and cooking time.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles (uncooked)
- 16 ounces marinara sauce
- 4 cups boiling water
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 1 cup baby tomatoes
- 3/4 cup artichoke hearts
- 3/4 cup kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup green olives
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Garnish
- Feta cheese
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, add the uncooked spaghetti noodles, marinara sauce, boiling water, baby tomatoes, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, green olives, dried oregano or Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, sliced red onion, and olive oil. Stir everything together until well combined, distributing the ingredients evenly.
- Initial Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to allow the pasta to start absorbing the liquid and the flavors to meld.
- Stir and Continue Baking: Carefully remove the dish from the oven, stir the ingredients to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. Cover again and return to the oven for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente – tender but still firm to the bite.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the cover and sprinkle with optional feta cheese and fresh parsley for added flavor and a touch of elegance. Serve warm and enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- For a vegan option, omit feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
- Ensure the baking dish is large enough to hold all ingredients without spilling during stirring.
- If you prefer softer pasta, add a few more minutes to the baking time as needed.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano as an alternative garnish for variation.
