Lighter Mediterranean Pasta Bake
|

Lighter Mediterranean Pasta Bake

ByLily Carter
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Lighter Mediterranean Pasta Bake! Packed with flavorful ingredients and simple to prepare, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

  1. Great flavors: The combination of marinated artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives creates a burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
  2. Quick prep time: With just a few simple steps, you can have this pasta bake ready to go in no time.
  3. Perfect for meal prep: This dish can be made ahead of time and easily reheated for a quick and satisfying meal throughout the week.

Ingredient Notes:

  • Uncooked bowtie pasta
  • Olive oil
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Onions
  • Zucchini
  • Marinated artichoke hearts
  • Tomato basil pasta sauce
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Kalamata olives
  • Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken until browned.
  3. Add Italian seasoning, salt, onions, and zucchini, and cook until vegetables are tender.
  4. Stir in artichoke hearts, pasta sauce, and cream.
  5. Add cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and olives, and mix well.
  6. Top with Parmesan cheese and bake until bubbly.

Helpful Tips:

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables.
  • Swap out the bowtie pasta for your favorite pasta shape for a different twist on this dish.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

  1. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  2. Don’t overcook the pasta before baking to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this Lighter Mediterranean Pasta Bake with a side salad and a glass of red wine for a complete meal.

Lighter Mediterranean Pasta Bake

Storage and Reheating Tips:

To reheat leftovers, place the pasta bake in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use a different type of protein in this recipe?
    Yes, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
  2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
  3. Can I freeze this dish?
    While you can freeze this pasta bake, the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon reheating.
  4. Can I use store-bought pasta sauce for this recipe?
    Yes, store-bought pasta sauce works well in this recipe for convenience.

Conclusion:

Don’t wait any longer to try this Lighter Mediterranean Pasta Bake! With its delicious flavors and easy preparation, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Lighter Mediterranean Pasta Bake

Lighter Mediterranean Pasta Bake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

This Lighter Mediterranean Pasta Bake is a delicious and healthier twist on a classic pasta dish. With tender chicken, flavorful artichoke hearts, and a creamy tomato sauce, this bake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 oz uncooked bowtie pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 1 small zucchini, sliced
  • 2 jars (6 oz each) marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
  • 2 cups tomato basil pasta sauce
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  2. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, Italian seasoning, and salt; cook until chicken is no longer pink. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onions and zucchini until tender.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Stir in artichoke hearts, pasta sauce, and cream. Add cooked pasta and cooked chicken; mix well.
  5. Assemble Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Top with cherry tomatoes, olives, and Parmesan cheese.
  6. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
  7. Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • You can add other Mediterranean ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or feta cheese for extra flavor.
  • To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Avatar photo

Similar Posts