Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a sunlit afternoon in the Mediterranean, look no further than this Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta. It’s a vibrant, fresh, and utterly satisfying pasta recipe that highlights the magic of quality olive oil paired with garden-fresh herbs and tender vegetables. Every bite is a celebration of simplicity and flavor, making it an absolute delight to prepare and enjoy whether you’re feeding yourself or sharing with friends. This dish shines when you savor the pure, authentic ingredients working in harmony—trust me, it will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is all about celebrating freshness and good quality — these simple staples create a beautiful balance of flavor, texture, and color that truly make this Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta sing.

• Thin spaghetti: Choose a high-quality pasta to ensure the perfect al dente bite every time.
• Early Harvest Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This is the star of the dish, imparting richness and that characteristic fruity, peppery Mediterranean flavor.
• Garlic cloves: Crushed to release their aroma, garlic adds a warm, savory undertone that’s essential here.
• Salt: Crucial for seasoning both the pasta water and the sauce, bringing out all the lovely natural flavors.
• Fresh parsley: Bright and herbaceous, parsley brings vibrant green color and fresh notes.
• Grape tomatoes: Halved to burst with juiciness and add a sweet-tart contrast.
• Scallions (green onions): Their mild sharpness and slight crunch add a wonderful texture.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground for a subtle heat that enhances the dish’s complexity.
• Marinated artichoke hearts: Tender and tangy, these add a lovely Mediterranean depth.
• Pitted olives: Halved to add bursts of salty richness and a lovely chew.
• Crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and tangy, the cheese rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• Fresh basil leaves: Torn just before tossing in for a fragrant, sweet herbal note.
• Lemon zest: Adds an uplifting brightness that wakes up your palate.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick to complement the olive oil’s smoothness.

How to Make Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Throw in your thin spaghetti and cook until just al dente — around six minutes typically. This slight firmness is crucial because it allows the pasta to soak up the olive oil sauce without becoming mushy or overdone later. When your pasta is ready, drain it but keep some of the cooking water if you want to loosen the sauce a bit later.

Step 2: Gently Infuse the Olive Oil with Garlic

While the pasta is cooking, warm your extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Lower the heat and add the crushed garlic along with a pinch of salt. This step is super important because you want to coax out the garlic’s flavor without browning or burning it — just about 10 seconds is perfect. The garlic-infused oil forms the luscious base of your Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta.

Step 3: Add Fresh Herbs and Vegetables

Next, toss in your fresh parsley, halved grape tomatoes, and chopped scallions. Cook everything gently for about 30 seconds. This quick warming blends the vegetables’ sweetness and freshness into the fragrant, garlicky oil while keeping their textures vibrant. This part is where the dish begins to come alive with Mediterranean sunshine.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Remove the skillet from the heat, and pour your drained pasta back into its cooking pot. Immediately pour the warm olive oil mixture on top and toss the pasta thoroughly so every strand is luxuriously coated. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste, then toss once more, making sure the flavors mingle nicely throughout.

Step 5: Add the Final Mediterranean Touches

Now for the fun finale! Stir in the marinated artichoke hearts, halved olives, crumbled feta cheese, torn basil leaves, and lemon zest. This medley adds a stunning depth of flavor, luscious creaminess, bright zestiness, and that unmistakable Mediterranean flair. Give it one last gentle toss, then you’re ready to plate and enjoy your Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta masterpiece.

How to Serve Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta

Garnishes

To finish this dish, a sprinkle of freshly crumbled feta and a few extra basil leaves on top add a lovely visual contrast and a burst of fresh flavor. For a bit of heat, scatter a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. These garnishes take the pasta from simply delicious to delightfully irresistible.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with simple Mediterranean sides like warm crusty bread, a crisp Greek salad, or charred vegetables. These sides complement the olive oil’s richness and add satisfying variety to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the pasta in shallow bowls with a scattering of whole basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil on top for a polished, restaurant-quality look. You can also nestle it beside grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier main course. Presentation is all about enhancing the colors and inviting your guests to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of your Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will mellow a little, but you’ll still be rewarded with delightful taste for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Freezing this pasta isn’t highly recommended since the fresh vegetables and herbs don’t always hold up well to freezing. If you must freeze, consider leaving out the fresh garnishes and adding those fresh when you reheat.

Reheating

For the best results when reheating, warm the pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of extra virgin olive oil over low heat to revive its shine and texture. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the dish’s lovely silky finish.

FAQs

What makes this pasta recipe Mediterranean?

This recipe features classic Mediterranean ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, olives, artichokes, and feta cheese. These flavors are hallmark of Mediterranean cuisine known for fresh, simple, and healthy eating.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While thin spaghetti works beautifully here, feel free to try linguine, angel hair, or even a short pasta like penne to suit your preference or pantry.

Is Early Harvest olive oil necessary?

Early Harvest Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a robust, peppery flavor ideal for this dish, but any high-quality extra virgin olive oil will work. The key is to use a good one to let the olive oils’ nuances shine.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, making Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta easy to adapt.

How long does this pasta take to make?

This recipe is wonderfully quick, usually ready in about 15-20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests.

Final Thoughts

There’s something effortlessly joyful about a plate of Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta that feels at once luxurious and wonderfully approachable. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, savor the fresh ingredients, and enjoy the pure, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. I encourage you to give this a try—once you do, it will likely become a go-to comfort that brightens up any mealtime with delicious ease.

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