Mediterranean Pasta in Minutes
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of "Mediterranean Pasta in Minutes," a quick and wholesome recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender pasta with the bold, savory notes of kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a garlic-infused olive oil sauce. Nutrient-rich baby spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and fragrant basil add a fresh, Mediterranean touch, while a squeeze of lemon juice and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes elevate the dish with a zesty kick. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy-to-make, one-skillet meal is a satisfying blend of simplicity and gourmet charm. Enjoy it as a light vegetarian dinner or a crowd-pleasing centerpiece, garnished with extra feta and basil for a restaurant-quality finish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherry tomatoes start to soften.
Add the baby spinach leaves to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until just wilted.
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Stir well to coat the pasta in the sauce and distribute the ingredients evenly.
Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir in the lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish.
Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh basil.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional feta cheese and basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2615 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 158.1 g | 203% | |
| Saturated Fat | 49.1 g | 246% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 200 mg | 67% | |
| Sodium | 7894 mg | 343% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 215.7 g | 78% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.1 g | 97% | |
| Total Sugars | 84.1 g | ||
| Protein | 85.4 g | 171% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1618 mg | 124% | |
| Iron | 26.3 mg | 146% | |
| Potassium | 4889 mg | 104% | |
*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.
