Mediterranean Pasta in Minutes

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of "Mediterranean Pasta in Minutes," a quick and wholesome recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender pasta with the bold, savory notes of kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a garlic-infused olive oil sauce. Nutrient-rich baby spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and fragrant basil add a fresh, Mediterranean touch, while a squeeze of lemon juice and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes elevate the dish with a zesty kick. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy-to-make, one-skillet meal is a satisfying blend of simplicity and gourmet charm. Enjoy it as a light vegetarian dinner or a crowd-pleasing centerpiece, garnished with extra feta and basil for a restaurant-quality finish.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams pasta (spaghetti or penne)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3

Stir in the kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherry tomatoes start to soften.

Step 4

Add the baby spinach leaves to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until just wilted.

Step 5

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Stir well to coat the pasta in the sauce and distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 6

Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir in the lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh basil.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with additional feta cheese and basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1290.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2615.4

Total Fat 158.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 49.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 200.0mg	0%
Sodium 7893.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 215.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.1g	0%
Total Sugars 84.1g
Protein 85.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1617.8mg	0%
Iron 26.3mg	0%
Potassium 4889.3mg	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: 54.2%

Protein: 13.0%

Carbs: 32.8%