Mediterranean Diet Orecchiette Pasta with Tomato Sauce
Discover the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Orecchiette Pasta with Tomato Sauce recipe, a wholesome dish perfectly suited for those embracing the Mediterranean diet. Featuring tender orecchiette pasta nestled in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce, this recipe highlights simple yet flavorful ingredients like juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and a touch of garlic sautéed in extra virgin olive oil. A sprinkle of dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while freshly grated Parmesan provides a creamy, savory finish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy-to-follow recipe is ideal for busy weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Serve this Mediterranean classic with a side of crusty bread or a light green salad for a complete, nutritious meal that celebrates the beauty of Mediterranean cuisine. Keywords: Mediterranean diet, orecchiette pasta, tomato sauce, healthy dinner, quick pasta recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams Orecchiette pasta
- 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 3 large Garlic cloves
- 500 grams Cherry tomatoes
- 10 leaves Fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the orecchiette pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente according to package instructions, typically around 9 to 11 minutes.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves, then add them to the hot oil and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, then add them to the pan with the garlic.
Cook the tomatoes for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juices.
Add the dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the tomatoes and stir to combine.
Just before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water.
Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the tomato sauce.
Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding some of the reserved pasta water if necessary to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
Tear the fresh basil leaves and add them to the pasta, stirring gently to combine.
Remove from the heat and serve the pasta hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1757 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 62.9 g | 81% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.1 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 2743 mg | 119% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 249.3 g | 91% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.2 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.5 g | ||
| Protein | 59.7 g | 119% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 780 mg | 60% | |
| Iron | 12.9 mg | 72% | |
| Potassium | 1694 mg | 36% | |
*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.
