Mediterranean Diet Orecchiette Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Embrace the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Orecchiette Pasta with Tomato Sauce, a wholesome and delicious dish designed to fit perfectly into the Mediterranean diet. Featuring tender orecchiette pasta tossed in a rich, homemade tomato sauce made with sweet cherry tomatoes, golden sautéed garlic, and aromatic dried oregano, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. Fresh basil leaves and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes add a burst of freshness and a slight kick, while a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a touch of Parmesan cheese take the dish to the next level. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy-to-make pasta is an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both nourishing and full of authentic Mediterranean flavors. Serve it up with a crisp side salad or a loaf of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal! Keywords: Mediterranean diet, orecchiette pasta, tomato sauce, quick and easy pasta recipe, healthy dinner ideas.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams Orecchiette pasta
• 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 3 large Garlic cloves
• 500 grams Cherry tomatoes
• 10 leaves Fresh basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
• 0 to taste Salt
• 0 to taste Black pepper
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Step 2

Add the orecchiette pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente according to package instructions, typically around 9 to 11 minutes.

Step 3

While the pasta is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.

Step 4

Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves, then add them to the hot oil and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5

Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, then add them to the pan with the garlic.

Step 6

Cook the tomatoes for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juices.

Step 7

Add the dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the tomatoes and stir to combine.

Step 8

Just before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water.

Step 9

Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the tomato sauce.

Step 10

Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding some of the reserved pasta water if necessary to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.

Step 11

Tear the fresh basil leaves and add them to the pasta, stirring gently to combine.

Step 12

Remove from the heat and serve the pasta hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(927.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1756.6

Total Fat 62.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 44.5mg	0%
Sodium 2743.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 249.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.2g	0%
Total Sugars 18.5g
Protein 59.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 779.8mg	0%
Iron 12.9mg	0%
Potassium 1694.4mg	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: 31.4%

Protein: 13.3%

Carbs: 55.3%