Mediterranean Pasta with Artichokes

May 27, 2026

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This simple Mediterranean pasta comes collectively in underneath half-hour for a vivid, wholesome weeknight dinner. Tender rigatoni, cherry tomatoes, and a basil breadcrumb end make it really feel particular.

Some nights it’s a pasta night time, however you need one thing somewhat extra fascinating than mac and cheese. This Mediterranean pasta with artichokes and olives was born out of that temper: it’s a chunky comfort-food pasta however with vivid vegetable vitality!

One thing I’ve come to grasp after years of cooking via the Mediterranean weight-reduction plan (for this website and for my new ebook) is how the essential the form of the pasta is. Right here rigatoni feels substantial stabbed on a fork with chunks of cherry tomato, tangy artichoke, and briny olives. It additionally comes collectively in underneath half-hour, that means it’s an excellent vegetarian dinner or pasta aspect dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s hearty with out being heavy. No cream sauce or butter: simply olive oil, greens, and a touch of Parmesan cheese.
It matches the Mediterranean weight-reduction plan. I created this recipe to characteristic olive oil, greens, and whole-food Mediterranean weight-reduction plan staples like artichokes and olives.
Carried out in underneath half-hour. It’s a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t style like a shortcut.
It’s vegetarian and straightforward to adapt. Add a can of seasoned chickpeas or some flaked tuna for much more protein, or serve with a white bean salad.

Substances You’ll Want

Most of what you want is already in a well-stocked Mediterranean weight-reduction plan pantry. A fast tour of the important thing gamers:

Rigatoni: I like rigatoni right here as a result of the extensive tubes catch the chunky greens, however any brief, ridged pasta (penne, spirals, ziti) works properly.
Cherry tomatoes: Attempt for ripe in-season tomatoes or there are a lot of hothouse cherry tomatoes that style nice.
Canned artichoke hearts: A Mediterranean weight-reduction plan pantry staple! I at all times have just a few cans readily available.
Inexperienced olives: Castelvetrano are my favourite (buttery, delicate, not too briny), however any delicate inexperienced olive works.
Garlic, lemon zest, and Parmesan: These add huge taste dimension.
Panko, smoked paprika, and recent basil: The most effective half is the basil breadcrumb topping: sprinkle it as a required garnish earlier than serving.

Find out how to Make Mediterranean Pasta with Artichokes & Olives

Right here’s the rhythm of the recipe: full directions are within the recipe beneath!

Boil the rigatoni in well-salted water till al dente, and reserve pasta water earlier than draining.
Saute the cherry tomatoes in olive oil till they launch their juices, then add the garlic, olives, and chopped artichoke hearts.
Make the basil breadcrumb topping by mincing recent basil with panko, smoked paprika, and salt.
Toss the whole lot collectively with lemon zest, grated Parmesan, and a splash of pasta water. Garnish with basil breadcrumbs earlier than serving.

Professional tip: Don’t skip the pasta water. Even 1 / 4 cup transforms the dish from “greens subsequent to pasta” right into a shiny sauce. A tip from my mother: I place a liquid measuring cup proper into the colander within the sink so I always remember earlier than draining the pasta!

What to Serve Alongside

I often deal with this as a one-bowl meal as a result of it has a lot happening: pasta, greens, herbs, cheese. Nevertheless, for those who’re serving it as a vegetarian dinner it’s good to have an added protein component for the reason that pasta shouldn’t be excessive protein in itself. It’s additionally good so as to add fiber; listed here are some concepts:

A bean salad like my marinated dense bean salad or white bean salad
Cooked beans like canned chickpeas, simple white beans or cannellini beans
A easy inexperienced salad like a easy arugula salad
Crusty bread like sourdough bread, olive bread, or artisan bread
Broccolini or sautéed greens on the aspect like sauteed broccolini or simple sauteed kale
A glass of crisp white wine

Storage & Make-Forward Suggestions

This dish is finest served instantly. Leftover pasta shops refrigerated for as much as 3 days; retailer the breadcrumb topping in a sealed container within the pantry.

To reheat, add a splash of olive oil to a skillet and heat over medium warmth till heated via. I don’t suggest freezing this pasta as a result of the feel doesn’t maintain up.

Dietary Notes

This Mediterranean pasta is vegetarian. To make it vegan, swap the Parmesan for dietary yeast or a vegan Parmesan various. To make it gluten-free, use your favourite gluten-free pasta and gluten-free panko for the topping.

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