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Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta Recipe

Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 28 reviews

A simple and vibrant Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta recipe featuring thin spaghetti tossed in extra virgin olive oil infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and colorful vegetables like grape tomatoes, scallions, artichoke hearts, olives, and feta cheese. This dish is quick to prepare, flavorful, and ideal for a light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

  • 1 lb thin spaghetti
  • 1/2 cup Early Harvest Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Private Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • Salt, to taste

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 12 oz grape tomatoes, halved
  • 3 scallions (green onions), tops trimmed, both whites and greens chopped
  • 6 oz marinated artichoke hearts, drained
  • 1/4 cup pitted olives, halved
  • 10–15 fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Seasonings and Cheese

  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, plus more if desired
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Follow package instructions to cook thin spaghetti to al dente, typically about 6 minutes in plenty of boiling salted water with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Olive Oil Sauce: When pasta is nearly cooked, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, add crushed garlic and a pinch of salt, and cook for 10 seconds while stirring regularly to infuse the oil with garlic flavor without burning.
  3. Add Fresh Herbs and Vegetables: Stir in chopped parsley, halved grape tomatoes, and chopped scallions into the oil and garlic mix. Cook gently over low heat for about 30 seconds until just warmed through to maintain freshness.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and return it to its cooking pot off the heat. Pour the warm olive oil sauce over the pasta and toss thoroughly to coat all strands evenly. Season with black pepper and toss again for even distribution.
  5. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add marinated artichoke hearts, pitted olives, crumbled feta cheese, torn basil leaves, and lemon zest to the pasta. Toss gently one more time to combine all flavors uniformly.
  6. Serve: Plate the pasta immediately in bowls. Optionally, garnish with additional basil and extra feta cheese. Add crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick. Enjoy your vibrant Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta!

Notes

  • Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of feta cheese according to your preference for saltiness and creaminess.
  • To make it vegan, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternate.
  • Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
  • Serve immediately after tossing to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors.
  • If desired, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean pasta, olive oil pasta, garlic pasta, spaghetti recipe, vegetarian pasta, quick pasta dish, fresh herb pasta

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/simple-mediterranean-olive-oil-pasta-recipe/