Print

Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta Recipe

Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 24 reviews

This Simple Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta is a quick and vibrant dish that combines al dente spaghetti with a flavorful olive oil-based sauce, fresh herbs, and Mediterranean ingredients like artichoke hearts, olives, and feta cheese. It’s a light, fresh pasta perfect for a healthy weeknight meal or a delightful Mediterranean-inspired lunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

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

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 12 oz grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 scallions (green onions), top trimmed, whites and greens chopped
  • 10–15 fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Additional Ingredients

  • 6 oz marinated artichoke hearts, drained
  • 1/4 cup pitted olives, halved
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, plus more if desired
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Follow the package instructions to cook the thin spaghetti pasta to al dente. Typically, this takes about 6 minutes in plenty of boiling salted water with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Olive Oil Sauce: When the pasta is almost ready, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and add the crushed garlic along with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 10 seconds, stirring constantly to release the garlic’s aroma without browning it. Then, add the chopped parsley, halved grape tomatoes, and chopped scallions. Stir and cook over low heat just until warmed through, approximately 30 seconds.
  3. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and return it to its cooking pot. Pour the warm olive oil sauce over the pasta and toss well to coat all strands. Sprinkle in the black pepper and toss again to combine the flavors evenly.
  4. Add Remaining Ingredients and Serve: Incorporate the marinated artichoke hearts, pitted olives, crumbled feta cheese, torn basil leaves, and lemon zest. Toss everything gently to mix thoroughly. Serve immediately in pasta bowls, optionally topping with extra basil leaves and feta cheese. For a touch of heat, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy your fresh and vibrant Mediterranean pasta!

Notes

  • Use early harvest Greek extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and health benefits.
  • To keep the garlic from burning and becoming bitter, cook it only briefly on low heat.
  • Adjust the amount of feta cheese to your taste—adding more will increase creaminess and saltiness.
  • Fresh basil should be added at the end to preserve its bright flavor and aroma.
  • Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • This dish is great served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature as a light pasta salad.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean pasta, olive oil pasta, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, quick dinner, garlic pasta, feta pasta, artichoke pasta

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