Simple Mediterranean Pasta is one of those easy dinners that feels fresh, vibrant, and satisfying without requiring hours in the kitchen. It comes together almost as easily as a basic pot of spaghetti, but the flavor is anything but ordinary. Every bite is packed with bright citrusy notes, earthy herbs, savory sausage, creamy cheese, and fresh crunchy vegetables that make this pasta feel both comforting and refreshing at the same time.

I especially love using orzo in this recipe because its small shape mixes beautifully with all the chopped vegetables and toppings, but honestly, this recipe is wonderfully flexible. Penne, bowtie, rotini, or whatever pasta is hanging out in your pantry will work just fine.

One of the best parts about this dish is how customizable it is. My daughter absolutely loves olives, so Kalamata olives are always a must in our house, but sometimes we add chickpeas, avocado, roasted vegetables, or whatever needs to be used up in the refrigerator. It’s one of those “clean out the fridge” meals that somehow always turns out delicious.

And on busy nights, this recipe is a lifesaver. With simple olive oil, parmesan, cooked chicken sausage, and fresh vegetables, dinner comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal effort. Warm or cold, this Mediterranean Pasta is flavorful, family-friendly, and perfect for leftovers the next day. So put on your Apron First and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This

• Quick and easy weeknight meal
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Bright fresh Mediterranean flavors
• Uses mostly pantry and refrigerator staples
• Delicious served warm or cold
• Easy to customize with extra vegetables or protein
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Family-friendly and filling

Ingredients

Orzo Pasta (½ box cooked)
Small tender pasta that perfectly mixes with all the chopped ingredients and fresh flavors.
Parmesan Cheese (½ cup grated)
Adds salty, nutty richness that lightly coats the pasta.
Olive Oil (about 2 tablespoons)
Creates a simple silky sauce and ties all the flavors together.
Garlic (1 teaspoon minced)
Adds savory depth and warmth.
Dried Oregano, Basil, and Rosemary (about 1 teaspoon each)
Classic Mediterranean herbs that bring earthy flavor and aroma.
Chicken Sausages (2–4 links, sliced)
Adds hearty protein and savory flavor. Black Pepper Parmesan chicken sausage works especially well.
Cherry Tomatoes (1 pint, halved)
Adds sweetness, freshness, and juicy bursts of flavor.
Cucumber (1 large, chopped)
Provides cool crisp texture that balances the warm pasta.
Kalamata Olives (about 1 cup, halved)
Brings salty briny flavor that gives the dish its Mediterranean flair.
Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup cubed or ¾ cup shredded)
Adds creamy richness and balances the herbs and olives.

Optional Additions
Avocado
Chickpeas
Fresh spinach
Bell peppers
Eggplant
Fresh basil
Red onion (fresh or grilled)
Feta cheese
Lemon zest or juice

{All ingredients listed below with exact amounts needed.}

Equipment
Dutch oven or large skillet
Stock pot for boiling pasta
Cutting board and knife
Colander

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain and return to the Dutch oven or large serving bowl.

Step 2: Heat the Sausage

Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a Dutch oven or skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken sausages until warmed through and lightly browned.

Remove sausages from the pan and slice into rounds, leaving any flavorful juices behind in the pot.

Step 3: Prep the Fresh Ingredients

While the pasta cooks, slice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add olive oil to the warm pasta along with parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, basil, and rosemary. Stir until evenly coated.

Add the sausage rounds, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, mozzarella, and any optional additions. Toss gently until combined.

Steps: 6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled. Garnish with extra parmesan, herbs & basil, or a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Kristyn’s

Simple Mediterranean Pasta

A bright and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired pasta made with orzo, chicken sausage, fresh vegetables, olives, herbs, and cheese. Quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course, Pasta, Side Dish

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ½ box orzo pasta
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2–4 chicken sausage links sliced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 cucumber chopped
• 1 cup Kalamata olives halved
• 1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese

Optional Additions

• Avocado, chickpeas, bell peppers, eggplant, spinach, fresh basil, onion, feta cheese

Method

 

1. Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and return to pot.
2. Heat sausage in olive oil until browned. Slice into rounds.
3. Chop tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and mozzarella.
4. Stir olive oil, parmesan, garlic, and herbs into warm pasta.
5. Add sausage, vegetables, olives, and mozzarella. Toss gently.
6. Serve warm, chilled, or at room temperature.

Notes

Notes (See Tips and Tricks above for added ideas): 

Great for meal prep and leftovers.
Easily customizable with extra vegetables or proteins.
Fresh herbs add even more flavor if available.

Table Conversation Starters 🍽️

• If you could travel anywhere in the Mediterranean, where would you go first?
• What’s the best meal you’ve ever had while traveling?
• If you could invent a pasta shape, what would it look like?
• What’s one food you could probably eat every single week?
• What’s your favorite “clean out the fridge” meal creation?