Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering Italian classic that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Mediterranean cuisine! This Tomato and Olive Penne is not just a meal—it's a quick, vibrant culinary adventure that combines the rich, robust flavors of ripe cherry tomatoes, briny black olives, and aromatic garlic in a simple yet irresistible dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress dinner guests with minimal effort, this recipe promises restaurant-quality flavor in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
- Stir in sliced black olives and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet with tomatoes and olives. Toss gently to combine.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If sauce seems dry, add reserved pasta water.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately, preferably in warm pasta bowls.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like seawater to properly season the pasta from within.
- For the best flavor, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh garlic. The quality of these ingredients makes a significant difference.
- Don't overcook the pasta! Al dente texture is key—the pasta should have a slight bite and firmness.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together.
- Fresh basil is not optional—it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
- For added protein, consider tossing in some grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.
- Use ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 54g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
