Spaghetti Pasta in Green Olive Pesto Sauce Recipe
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Italian cuisine with this delightful Spaghetti Pasta in Green Olive Pesto Sauce. This dish marries the rich, briny notes of green olives with the nutty, creamy texture of Parmesan, creating a delectable meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti Pasta | 250 grams |
| Green Olive Pesto | 1/4 cup |
| Whole Black Peppercorns (freshly ground) | To taste |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon Zest (finely grated) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Olives (pitted and quartered) | 1/4 cup |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Lemon Juice (from 2 lemons) | To taste |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 400 |
| Protein | 12 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 58 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 grams |
| Fat | 18 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 4 grams |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 2
Instructions
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Prepare the Pesto: Start by ensuring that your green olive pesto is ready, as it is the star of this dish. If you don’t have a prepared pesto, you can blend green olives, garlic, nuts (like pine nuts or walnuts), Parmesan, and olive oil until smooth. Set this aside while you cook the pasta.
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Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and rinse it briefly under cold water to halt the cooking process. This also helps to prevent the strands from sticking together. To keep them separated, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the cooked pasta.
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Combine Ingredients: In a wok or large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add any garlic you might wish to include (as noted in the original recipe), followed by the green olive pesto, freshly ground black pepper, lemon zest, and the cooked spaghetti. Stir gently but thoroughly until each strand of pasta is beautifully coated with the rich, flavorful pesto.
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Finish the Dish: Once the pasta is well coated, turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The cheese will melt slightly, enhancing the creamy texture of the dish.
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Serve: Plate the Spaghetti Pasta in Green Olive Pesto Sauce and garnish with additional Parmesan if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with Black Eyed Bean and Lemon Bruschetta, making for a complete and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Cooking Tips:
- For a little extra flavor, consider adding a handful of arugula or spinach just before serving, giving the dish a fresh green touch.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, add grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein, turning this vegetarian delight into a heartier meal.
Enjoy this deliciously simple yet sophisticated dish that celebrates the beauty of Italian flavors, making your dinner table a little more vibrant and inviting!
