Cheese and Olive Spaghetti
Description:
This cheese and olive spaghetti is the perfect dish for a sunny day, combining the creamy melt of feta with the bold flavors of black and green olives, capers, and aromatic basil. Itβs a versatile recipe, allowing you to add a variety of vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spring onions, or baby corn to suit your taste. My daughter loves experimenting with different types of cheese, giving this dish a playful twist every time she makes it. Pair it with a fresh Insalata Caprese Salad and rosemary focaccia bread for a delightful Italian-inspired meal!
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Black olives | 1/4 cup |
| Green olives | 1/4 cup |
| Capers | 2 tablespoons, drained well |
| Durum Wheat Spaghetti Pasta | 400 grams |
| Red chili flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 2 tablespoons, finely chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper powder | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | As needed, for cooking |
| Feta cheese | 250 grams, crumbled |
| Parmesan cheese | 150 grams, grated |
| Basil leaves | 4 sprigs, chopped |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Instructions:
-
Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions, making sure itβs al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. -
Prepare the Flavor Base:
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large wok or kadai over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for about one minute until it turns fragrant and golden brown. -
Add the Heat:
Stir in the red chili flakes and cook for an additional ten seconds to allow the flavors to meld. -
Toss in the Pasta and Ingredients:
Immediately add the cooked spaghetti to the wok. Toss it gently with the garlic and chili oil. Add the black olives, green olives, capers, salt, and black pepper powder. Stir everything together for about one to two minutes to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture. -
Finish the Dish:
Remove the wok from the heat and transfer the pasta into a serving dish. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top to enhance the flavor. -
Add the Cheese and Basil:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the pasta. Toss everything together to allow the cheese to melt and blend into the pasta. Finish with a handful of chopped basil leaves for a fresh, aromatic touch. -
Serve:
Serve your cheese and olive spaghetti hot, alongside a fresh Insalata Caprese Salad and rosemary focaccia bread for an unforgettable Italian-inspired dinner.
Pro Tip:
For added flavor, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A mix of mozzarella, cheddar, or goat cheese can elevate the dish further. Also, don’t hesitate to throw in some fresh vegetables for extra texture and taste!
