Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta Recipe

If you are craving a dish that is bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors yet wonderfully simple to prepare, this Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta is exactly what you need. It perfectly captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine by combining lush extra virgin olive oil with garlic, sun-kissed tomatoes, briny olives, and fragrant herbs. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes that feels both light and satisfying, making it an all-time favorite for any occasion. Whether you need a speedy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this recipe will quickly become your go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for straightforward, high-quality ingredients that come together beautifully to create an impressive dish. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing flavors, textures, and colors to make this Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta truly shine.

• Thin spaghetti (1 lb): Cooks quickly and perfectly carries the olive oil sauce in every strand.
• Early Harvest Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1/2 cup): The heart of the dish, offering a fruity, peppery richness that elevates all flavors.
• Garlic cloves, crushed (4): Adds aromatic depth and a gentle kick.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all ingredients.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (1 cup): Brings a fresh, herbaceous brightness.
• Grape tomatoes, halved (12 oz): Bursts with juicy sweetness to complement the savory elements.
• Scallions, chopped (3): Offers mild onion flavor both from whites and greens for crunch and aroma.
• Black pepper (1 tsp): Gives a gentle heat and spice.
• Marinated artichoke hearts, drained (6 oz): Introduces tangy complexity and a tender bite.
• Pitted olives, halved (1/4 cup): Adds salty, briny notes that balance the fresh ingredients.
• Feta cheese, crumbled (1/4 cup or more): Creamy and salty cheese that ties everything together wonderfully.
• Fresh basil leaves, torn (10-15): For aromatic sweetness and a pop of vibrant green color.
• Lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon): Brightens the dish with a zesty citrus zing.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds subtle heat for those who love a little spice.

How to Make Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by cooking your thin spaghetti in plenty of salted boiling water according to the package directions until al dente, usually about six minutes. Cooking pasta to this point ensures the perfect texture—tender yet with a slight bite, ready to soak up the flavorful olive oil sauce.

Step 2: Build Your Olive Oil Sauce

While the pasta finishes cooking, gently heat your early harvest Greek extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Turn the heat down and add the crushed garlic along with a pinch of salt, allowing it to infuse the oil for about 10 seconds, stirring often so the garlic doesn’t brown and become bitter. Then stir in fresh parsley, sweet grape tomatoes, and chopped scallions, cooking over low heat for just 30 seconds to warm everything without losing their bright colors and fresh flavors.

Step 3: Combine Pasta with the Sauce

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and return it to its pot off the heat. Pour the warm olive oil sauce over the pasta and toss thoroughly so every strand glistens. Sprinkle in freshly cracked black pepper and toss again for an even distribution of flavor.

Step 4: Add Mediterranean Goodies

Now the fun begins! Add in your marinated artichoke hearts, pitted olives, crumbled feta cheese, torn basil leaves, and lemon zest. Toss the pasta one final time to mix all these delightful flavors together perfectly. This step is what transforms a simple olive oil pasta into a vibrant Mediterranean masterpiece.

How to Serve Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta

Garnishes

Enhance the dish’s beauty and flavor by adding a few extra torn basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of feta cheese right before serving. Feel free to also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a touch of heat—it adds a lovely contrast to the creamy feta and juicy tomatoes.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover olive oil sauce. For a heartier meal, a roasted vegetable platter with zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers would provide complementary Mediterranean flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta in shallow pasta bowls to showcase the vibrant colors. For an added Mediterranean touch, drizzle a little more extra virgin olive oil and a zest of lemon over the top. Garnishing with edible flowers like nasturtiums can create a stunning presentation for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Because this dish highlights fresh ingredients and olive oil, it tastes best when eaten soon after preparation, but it still holds up well if covered and chilled.

Freezing

This recipe is not ideal for freezing because the fresh tomatoes, basil, and feta can change texture and color when thawed. It’s better enjoyed fresh or refrigerated and consumed within a few days.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil to prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently, and avoid high heat to keep the fresh flavors intact. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the feta grainy and the basil wilted.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta?

Absolutely! While thin spaghetti is traditional here, feel free to experiment with linguine, angel hair, or even penne. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

What kind of olives work best in this recipe?

Kalamata olives are a perfect choice because of their rich, briny flavor, but you can also use green olives or Castelvetrano for a milder taste. Just make sure to pit and halve them before adding.

Is there a substitute for feta cheese?

If feta isn’t your favorite, try crumbled goat cheese or even a soft ricotta salata. Both provide a tangy, creamy element that complements the Mediterranean flavors well.

Can I omit the garlic?

While the garlic adds great depth, you can reduce the amount or omit it if necessary. Just keep in mind it’s a key flavor that elevates this Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta, so consider replacing it with a touch of garlic-infused olive oil as a compromise.

How spicy is this pasta with red pepper flakes?

The crushed red pepper flakes add only a gentle heat that sparkles subtly amid the other flavors. You can adjust the amount or skip them entirely depending on your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend trying this Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta enough. It’s a dish that never fails to impress with its effortless preparation and vibrant flavors, reflecting the true spirit of Mediterranean cooking. Once you whip this up, I bet it’ll quickly become one of your favorite pasta recipes to enjoy any time you want a fresh, nourishing meal without fuss. Give it a try and watch your dinner routine transform into something special.

Print