Imagine a culinary journey where every bite tells a story of vibrant flavors and unexpected combinations. This Pasta with Kale, Kalamata Olives, Dried Cranberries, Toasted Garlic, and Feta is not just a meal—it's a Mediterranean adventure that will transform your perception of what pasta can be. Packed with bold, tangy, and rich flavors, this recipe promises to elevate your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Wash and chop kale into bite-sized pieces, removing tough stems.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add chopped kale to the skillet with toasted garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until kale is slightly wilted but still bright green and retains some texture.
- Drain pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Return pasta to the pot.
- Add sautéed kale and garlic to the pasta. Mix in sliced Kalamata olives and dried cranberries.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to help ingredients combine.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer to serving plates and top generously with crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve immediately while warm, optionally drizzling with additional olive oil if desired.
Tips
- Choose your pasta wisely: While this recipe works with most pasta shapes, short pasta like penne or fusilli will help capture the olives and cranberries best.
- Don't rush the garlic: Toasting garlic slowly ensures a nutty, golden flavor without bitterness. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.
- Keep some pasta water: The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients adhere better.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Use fresh, high-quality feta for the most authentic Mediterranean taste.
- If you prefer a less bitter kale, massage it with a little olive oil before cooking to soften its texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
