Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner with a Mediterranean masterpiece that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-soaked coastlines of Greece! Melissa Jo's Mediterranean Pasta is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey packed with vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and an irresistible combination of textures that will make your family and friends beg for seconds. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon basil, chopped
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the Kalamata olives, and mince the garlic cloves.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the pasta. Gently mix to combine.
- Sprinkle dried oregano over the pasta, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped basil.
- Serve immediately, ensuring each portion has a good mix of pasta, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
Tips
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Use generously salted water to ensure your pasta is flavorful from the start.
- Al Dente is Key: Cook pasta just until tender with a slight bite to maintain the perfect texture.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Keep a little pasta water to help create a silky sauce if needed.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality, fresh ingredients like ripe cherry tomatoes and good olive oil for the best flavor.
- Don't Overcook Garlic: Sauté garlic briefly to prevent bitterness and maintain its delicate flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking, to preserve the fresh ingredients' vibrant taste and texture.
- Optional Additions: Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or some toasted pine nuts for crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
