Mediterranean Diet Cheesy Pasta Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with the Mediterranean Diet Cheesy Pasta Delight—a wholesome yet tantalizing dish that captures the essence of healthy eating. Crafted with nutrient-rich whole grain pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, wilted baby spinach, and savory kalamata olives, this recipe is elevated by the creamy tang of crumbled feta cheese and a zesty drizzle of fresh lemon juice. Sautéed with aromatic garlic and finished with oregano, red pepper flakes, and a garnish of fresh basil, every bite delivers a symphony of flavors. Perfectly balanced and ready in just 35 minutes, this Mediterranean-inspired pasta is an ideal choice for busy weeknights or elegant dinner gatherings alike. Treat your palate to this quick, wholesome, and bursting-with-flavor dish today!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole grain pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 0.5 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 0.75 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the whole grain pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
Stir in the baby spinach and allow it to wilt, about 2 minutes.
Add the sliced kalamata olives, cooked pasta, and crumbled feta cheese to the skillet. Toss to combine.
Drizzle the lemon juice over the pasta mixture, and sprinkle the dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Continue to cook on low heat for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and well combined.
Remove from heat and garnish with the fresh basil leaves.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1330 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 93.6 g | 120% | |
| Saturated Fat | 32.9 g | 164% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 150 mg | 50% | |
| Sodium | 5032 mg | 219% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 93.6 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.8 g | 81% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.7 g | ||
| Protein | 44.5 g | 89% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1123 mg | 86% | |
| Iron | 13.2 mg | 73% | |
| Potassium | 1304 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
