Mediterranean Diet Cheesy Pasta Delight

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Mediterranean Diet Cheesy Pasta Delight! This wholesome recipe balances the hearty texture of whole grain pasta with the creaminess of crumbled feta cheese, creating a dish that's both comforting and nutritious. Bursting with the freshness of cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, and aromatic garlic, it's further elevated by tangy kalamata olives and a zesty drizzle of lemon juice. A sprinkle of dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil ties the flavors together, making every bite a celebration of Mediterranean cuisine. Quick and easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, this flavorful pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner with friends. Packed with healthy ingredients and Mediterranean diet staples, it’s a satisfying, guilt-free recipe you'll want to make again and again!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces whole grain pasta
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 0.5 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 0.75 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the whole grain pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 4

Stir in the baby spinach and allow it to wilt, about 2 minutes.

Step 5

Add the sliced kalamata olives, cooked pasta, and crumbled feta cheese to the skillet. Toss to combine.

Step 6

Drizzle the lemon juice over the pasta mixture, and sprinkle the dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Step 7

Continue to cook on low heat for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and well combined.

Step 8

Remove from heat and garnish with the fresh basil leaves.

Step 9

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(941.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1330.2

Total Fat 93.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 32.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 150.0mg	0%
Sodium 5032.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 93.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.8g	0%
Total Sugars 11.7g
Protein 44.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1122.6mg	0%
Iron 13.2mg	0%
Potassium 1303.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.4%

Protein: 12.8%

Carbs: 26.8%