Mediterranean Pasta
Transport your taste buds straight to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean with this vibrant Mediterranean Pasta recipe. Packed with hearty penne, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, briny kalamata olives, and a burst of freshness from cherry tomatoes and baby spinach, this dish is a celebration of bold, authentic flavors. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice elevate the dish, while crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, salty finish. With fragrant garlic, aromatic oregano, and a touch of fresh basil, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a light, satisfying meal. Serve this Mediterranean-inspired pasta on its own or pair it with crusty bread for an irresistibly delicious dining experience.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 units garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 0.5 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 unit lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the chopped basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the vegetables and seasonings. If the mixture seems dry, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the pasta and toss gently.
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the pasta and stir lightly to combine.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
476 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.2 g | 25% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 13 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 1074 mg | 47% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 58.5 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.5 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.0 g | ||
| Protein | 16.7 g | 33% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 161 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 5.2 mg | 29% | |
| Potassium | 1158 mg | 25% | |
*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.
