Penne with Tomatoes Olives and Two Cheeses
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this irresistible Penne with Tomatoes, Olives, and Two Cheeses recipe. Combining tender penne pasta with a fragrant garlic and red pepper-infused olive oil base, this dish showcases the sweetness of caramelized cherry tomatoes and the briny richness of kalamata olives. Tossed with fresh basil and a luscious blend of Parmesan and feta cheeses, every bite offers a perfect harmony of creamy, tangy, and savory notes. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy pasta recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. Serve it hot, garnished with extra basil or Parmesan, for a comforting and satisfying meal inspired by classic Mediterranean cuisine.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.75 cups kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 0.5 cups fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cups crumbled feta cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the rest and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to release their juices.
Stir in the sliced kalamata olives and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the tomato and olive mixture. If the sauce seems too dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and crumbled feta cheese. Mix well until the cheeses are evenly distributed and slightly melted.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil or Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your Penne with Tomatoes, Olives, and Two Cheeses!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2355 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 107.5 g | 138% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.9 g | 134% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 93 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 6877 mg | 299% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 281.7 g | 102% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.7 g | 102% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.8 g | ||
| Protein | 77.6 g | 155% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 946 mg | 73% | |
| Iron | 22.2 mg | 123% | |
| Potassium | 1812 mg | 39% | |
*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.
