Mediterranean Diet Pasta Shells with Tomato Sauce

Savor the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this irresistible recipe for Mediterranean Diet Pasta Shells with Tomato Sauce. Perfectly al dente jumbo pasta shells are tossed in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce featuring sautéed onions, garlic, and a medley of fresh vegetables like red bell peppers and zucchini. Infused with classic Mediterranean spices like oregano and basil, the dish is taken to the next level with salty crumbles of feta cheese and briny kalamata olives. Ready in just 40 minutes, this wholesome and satisfying recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or elegant entertaining. Serve it as a complete meal or alongside a crisp green salad for a burst of Mediterranean sunshine on your plate! Keywords: Mediterranean pasta, healthy tomato sauce, Mediterranean diet recipe, vegetarian pasta.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz large pasta shells
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 0.25 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the diced red bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the shells evenly in the tomato sauce.

Step 7

Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced kalamata olives.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1624.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2157.8

Total Fat 73.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 100mg	0%
Sodium 5117.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 310.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.5g	0%
Total Sugars 41.1g
Protein 75.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1107.1mg	0%
Iron 28.1mg	0%
Potassium 3659.5mg	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: 29.9%

Protein: 13.7%

Carbs: 56.4%