Mediterranean cuisine is known for its fresh, wholesome ingredients and bold, satisfying flavors—and when it comes to pasta, this region has no shortage of inspiration.
From the sun-soaked shores of Italy to the olive groves of Greece, Mediterranean pasta dishes bring together the perfect blend of herbs, vegetables, and proteins for your meals.
Here are 23 of our favorite Mediterranean pasta recipes.
Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad with Mayo
This creamy Mediterranean tuna pasta salad blends rotini or fusilli pasta with tender chunks of tuna, boiled eggs, Kalamata olives, capers, diced onions, and a touch of mayonnaise for a satisfying and flavorful dish.
The pasta traps all the delicious ingredients and every bite is packed with flavor
Perfect as a side for summer gatherings or a standalone meal, this dish is versatile, customizable with add-ins like feta or cucumbers, and ideal for make-ahead prep.
It’s a refreshing combination that’s equally great for busy weekdays or festive occasions.
Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad with Olives
This Mediterranean-inspired roasted vegetable pasta salad features bow tie pasta combined with delicious roasted red peppers, courgettes, red onions, olives, and sundried tomatoes.
Enhanced with a light yet flavorful dressing of sundried tomato oil, oregano, chili flakes, and fresh basil, this dish is as colorful as it is satisfying.
Perfect served warm, chilled, or at room temperature, it’s a versatile option for lunches, dinners, or potlucks.
Chicken and Strawberry Couscous Salad
This Chicken and Strawberry Couscous Salad is a perfect balance of fresh and light flavors for summer or a warm, comforting dish in winter.
Featuring Israeli couscous, juicy strawberries, poached or canned chicken, parsley, and pecans, it’s tossed in a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and fresh tarragon.
Try it for lunch, dinner, or as a standout dish at your next gathering.
Greek Chicken Pasta Salad
This Greek Chicken Pasta Salad is a versatile dish perfect for summer dinners, meal prep, or potluck gatherings.
Combining grilled chicken, farfalle pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, it’s tossed in a zesty homemade dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and oregano.
It’s simple to make too – cook your chicken, cut your vegetables and toss everything in the most delicious homemade greek dressing!
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
This Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring orzo pasta, Kalamata olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, spinach, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a light lemon and oregano vinaigrette.
Perfectly balanced with fresh vegetables and vibrant flavors, this salad is easy to prepare and can be served either chilled or at room temperature.
It’s an excellent choice for a refreshing lunch, side dish, or light dinner, offering a taste of Greece in every bite.
Mediterranean Chicken Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender, marinated chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and orzo pasta.
Infused with Mediterranean staples like olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and topped with crumbled feta cheese, this dish offers a harmonious balance of tangy, savory, and hearty flavors.
The chicken is marinated to perfection, then sautéed with garlic before being simmered alongside the orzo in a savory chicken stock.
Sweet sun-dried tomatoes and nutrient-rich spinach round out the meal, making it both wholesome and satisfying. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Serve this dish warm and garnished with extra feta for a cozy, Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Leftovers store well, making it a great option for meal prep as well.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a luxurious yet easy dish that delivers bold flavors in just 30 minutes. Juicy, seared chicken breasts are combined with penne pasta in a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach.
The sauce, reminiscent of classic Alfredo, is elevated by the addition of tangy sun-dried tomatoes and wilted spinach, creating a balanced combination of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.
Using fresh Parmesan cheese enhances the richness, while the addition of spinach ensures a pop of color and nutrients.
Serve it with a simple Italian salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
Tomato and Anchovy Pasta
This Tomato and Anchovy Pasta combines spaghetti with a rich, oven-baked tomato sauce featuring the bold flavors of anchovies, garlic, and basil.
The anchovies melt into the sauce, creating a savory, umami-packed base that balances perfectly with the sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes or canned tomatoes.
A versatile and budget-friendly option, this pasta dish is great for anchovy skeptics as the fish’s flavors blend seamlessly into the sauce, adding depth without overpowering the dish.
Greek Pasta Salad
This Greek Pasta Salad combines penne pasta with vibrant ingredients like cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, kalamata olives, fresh herbs, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette.
The dressing, made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and fresh lemon juice, adds a zesty punch to this refreshing dish.
To keep it fresh, hold off on adding the feta and olives until serving to prevent discoloration or texture changes.
Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste—swap cucumbers with bell peppers or olives with capers for a customized flavor.
Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad
This Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad is a flavorful mix of pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, black olives, artichoke hearts, and hard salami tossed in a simple homemade red wine vinaigrette.
Customize it by adding red peppers, cucumbers, or feta cheese, and experiment with different vinegars or dressings for a personalized touch.
The salad tastes even better after marinating for a few hours.
Pasta Alla Norma (Tomato And Eggplant Pasta)
Pasta alla Norma is a quick and flavorful Sicilian dish featuring tender eggplant sautéed in olive oil and simmered with garlic, chili flakes, and canned tomatoes, then balanced with balsamic vinegar, a touch of sugar, and fresh basil.
Tossed with al dente pasta and enriched with mozzarella and parmesan, this hearty vegetarian meal is ready in just 35 minutes.
Perfectly customizable, you can skip the cheese for a vegan option, substitute ricotta or pecorino for mozzarella, or use the versatile sauce for lasagna, pizza, or as a topping for grilled veggies.
Serve with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired feast.
Casarecce Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomatoes
This 12-minute Casarecce Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomatoes is a quick and simple recipe inspired by the Italian “pasta sciue sciue,” meaning “pasta in a hurry.”
Using just seven ingredients, including juicy cherry tomatoes blistered in olive oil, fresh basil, garlic, and a touch of balsamic vinegar, this dish delivers bold, fresh flavors with minimal effort.
Perfect for busy evenings, the unique casarecce pasta clings beautifully to the light, silky sauce, enhanced by Parmesan cheese and a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick.
Pasta Primavera
Pasta Primavera is a versatile, vibrant dish featuring fresh seasonal vegetables tossed in a light butter and parmesan cream sauce, perfect for year-round enjoyment.
Originating in the late 1970s, this classic dish combines broccoli, asparagus, peas, bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, and penne pasta, all enhanced by garlic and a touch of half-and-half or cream.
Blanched vegetables are sautéed and mixed with the pasta in a creamy broth-based sauce, finished with parmesan, parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Easy to customize, it can be made vegetarian or paired with proteins like chicken or shrimp, offering a satisfying meal that’s flavorful yet light.
Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad
The Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad is a healthy, mayo-free option packed with fresh summer vegetables like zucchini and cherry tomatoes, making it ideal for warm weather, picnics, or travel.
Featuring chickpea pasta for added protein and fiber, this dish combines vibrant veggies with a tangy shallot-oregano vinaigrette.
Topped with goat cheese or feta, it’s versatile and easy to customize.
Mushroom Aglio Olio
Mushroom Aglio Olio is a quick, budget-friendly Italian dish that combines spaghetti, garlic, mushrooms, and parsley with extra virgin olive oil for a flavorful yet simple meal.
This vegetarian and vegan-friendly recipe comes together in just 20 minutes. Sautéed mushrooms and garlic are tossed with al dente pasta and fresh parsley, finished with olive oil and seasoning.
Serve with crusty garlic bread, a side salad, or a glass of white wine for a complete meal.
Pasta with Peas (Piselli)
Pasta with Peas (Piselli) is a comforting, one-pot Italian dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying option for busy nights.
Originating from Naples, this recipe combines ditalini pasta, sweet baby peas, sautéed onions, olive oil, and a blend of Parmesan and Romano cheeses, creating a flavorful yet simple meal.
While traditionally meatless, pancetta or bacon can be added for extra flavor. Serve it as a main course with a crisp salad and bread, or pair it with chicken or fish for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Authentic Pasta e Fagioli
Authentic Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting, vegetarian pasta and beans dish made with small pasta like ditalini, cannellini beans, tomato paste, and fresh herbs in just 30 minutes.
A one-pot recipe rooted in Neapolitan tradition, it features just enough tomato broth for a satisfying cross between soup and pasta.
A simple yet timeless Italian classic!
Pasta Al Gorgonzola
Pasta Al Gorgonzola is a luxurious, creamy dish featuring gorgonzola dolce and optional sautéed mushrooms, perfect for a comforting dinner or elegant gathering.
The sauce combines gorgonzola, double cream, and reserved pasta water to create a rich, velvety coating for spaghetti or any pasta of choice.
Mushrooms, sautéed in butter with sage, add depth but can be omitted for simplicity.
This versatile recipe pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables, steak, or chicken and can be customized with blue cheese substitutes like Dolcelatte or Roquefort.
Serve with grated Parmesan and black pepper for a restaurant-worthy meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Mediterranean Pasta Toss
The Mediterranean Pasta Toss is a quick and healthy dinner packed with fresh spinach, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian turkey sausage, and light feta cheese, all tossed with whole wheat or smart pasta for added fiber.
Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a versatile dish perfect for busy weeknights or back-to-school routines.
With 12 WW points (lower if using WW-friendly ingredients), it’s a guilt-free, flavorful meal that stores well.
Mediterranean Salmon Pasta
Mediterranean Salmon Pasta is a flavorful and healthy dish featuring tender salmon, farfalle pasta, and a medley of Mediterranean ingredients like pesto, marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula.
The dish is rich in omega-3s and Mediterranean flavors for nutritious and satisfying meal that tastes just as delicious the next day.
Adaptable with other fish or no fish at all, it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser.
Greek Quinoa Salad
The Greek Quinoa Salad is a vibrant, healthy dish combining fluffy quinoa with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and olives, complemented by marinated artichokes, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty homemade lemon basil vinaigrette.
This gluten-free, vegetarian recipe is perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a refreshing side dish.
With minimal prep, this colorful salad is a crowd-pleaser, boasting a nutritious balance of flavors and textures.
Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta
Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish featuring linguine tossed with succulent shrimp, garlic, capers, fresh lemon juice, butter, and a touch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Finished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, this light yet satisfying pasta is ready in under 30 minutes.
Caprese Ravioli
Caprese Ravioli combines mini cheese ravioli with halved grape tomatoes, marinated bocconcini, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a quick and flavorful dish.
This recipe captures the essence of a classic Caprese salad in a warm, satisfying pasta format. It’s versatile enough to be served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled as a salad.
Easy to make and bursting with summer flavors, it’s an effortless yet elegant meal.