Mediterranean Pasta Recipe
This Mediterranean Pasta Recipe uses penne, garlic, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese to create a vibrant pasta dish with bright flavors.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives sliced
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- juice of 1/2 lemon
Optional additions:
- grilled chicken
- cooked shrimp
- roasted zucchini
- chickpeas
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water for later.
Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- The garlic should smell wonderful but should not turn brown.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- Add the cherry tomatoes and sliced red onion to the pan. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release some juice.
- Stir in the olives and dried oregano.
Step 4: Add Spinach
- Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for about one minute until the leaves wilt.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the mixture feels dry, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water.
Step 6: Finish the Dish
- Remove the pan from heat. Add lemon juice, feta cheese, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss gently so the feta slightly softens but still keeps its texture.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve the Mediterranean pasta warm. Add extra feta cheese and fresh herbs on top if desired.