Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti, where tangy blue cheese meets the rich sweetness of cherry tomatoes and the bold flavor of black olives. This isn't just another pasta dish – it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or a pasta enthusiast seeking something unique, this recipe promises to elevate your dinner game in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 300g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100g black olives, pitted and sliced
- 150g blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 400g of spaghetti, 300g of halved cherry tomatoes, 100g of sliced black olives, 150g of crumbled blue cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, and fresh basil for garnish.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Once the tomatoes are softened, add the sliced black olives to the skillet and stir to combine. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- When the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti. Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the tomato and olive mixture.
- Gently toss the spaghetti with the tomato and olive mixture, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce adhere to the spaghetti.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the crumbled blue cheese, allowing it to melt slightly into the pasta.
- Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color. Enjoy your delicious spaghetti with tomatoes, black olives, and blue cheese!
Tips
- Salt is your friend: Always salt your pasta water generously – it should taste like the sea. This is your only chance to season the pasta from the inside out.
- Al dente is key: Cook your spaghetti just until it's tender with a slight bite. Reserve some pasta water before draining, as its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce.
- Cheese timing matters: Add the blue cheese off the heat to prevent it from becoming grainy. Let the residual warmth gently melt the cheese.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet: When sautéing tomatoes and olives, give them space to caramelize and release their flavors.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: The basil isn't just a garnish – it adds a fresh, aromatic finish that brightens the entire dish.
- Experiment with cheese: If blue cheese is too strong, try a milder option like feta or goat cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 600kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
