Mediterranean Olive Pasta
Bring the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your dinner table with this Mediterranean Olive Pasta recipe. Perfectly al dente pasta is tossed with a savory medley of kalamata olives, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny capers, creating a dish bursting with bold, tangy notes. Infused with garlic, fresh parsley, and basil, and brightened with a hint of lemon zest, this quick and easy meal is ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil ties it all together, while a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes add the perfect finishing touches. This Mediterranean-inspired pasta is light, wholesome, and packed with fresh ingredients, satisfying both your palate and your appetite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water for later use.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
Stir in the kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and capers. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften slightly and release their juices.
Add the lemon zest, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the olive mixture. Use tongs to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley and basil.
Plate the pasta and garnish with grated parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your Mediterranean Olive Pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2046 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 134.8 g | 173% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.9 g | 180% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 71 mg | 24% | |
| Sodium | 6608 mg | 287% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 144.9 g | 53% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.7 g | 78% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.8 g | ||
| Protein | 74.5 g | 149% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 1874 mg | 144% | |
| Iron | 15.5 mg | 86% | |
| Potassium | 1655 mg | 35% | |
*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.
