Greek Pasta Dinner 🍝

Overview:

Indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful Greek Pasta Dinner recipe. Perfect for a quick and easy lunch or snack, this dish combines the richness of cheese, the freshness of vegetables, and the distinctive taste of Greek cuisine, all in under 60 minutes. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready to enjoy in no time!

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 424.4 per serving
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5 stars)
• Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
• Keywords: Cheese, Vegetable, Greek, European, < 60 Mins, Easy

Ingredients:

• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 onion
• 1/2 green pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 slices bacon
• 2 ounces feta cheese
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 3 ounces penne pasta
• 3 ounces rigatoni pasta
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Paprika, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:

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   • Mince the garlic.
   • Finely chop the onion and green pepper.
   • Cut the bacon into small pieces.
   • Crumble the feta cheese.

2. Cook Vegetables:

   • In a microwave-safe casserole dish, combine the minced garlic, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and olive oil.
   • Cover the dish and microwave on high for 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

3. Add Bacon and Cheese:

   • Uncover the dish and add the bacon pieces and crumbled feta cheese.
   • Optionally, sprinkle some chili flakes for a hint of spice.
   • Cover again and microwave for an additional 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Incorporate Tomatoes:

   • Stir in the diced tomatoes, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
   • Season the mixture with paprika, salt, and pepper according to your taste.
   • Add the tomato paste and stir until well combined.
   • Cover the dish and microwave for 7 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

5. Cook Pasta:

   • While the tomato mixture is cooking, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
   • Drain the cooked pasta and set aside.

6. Combine and Serve:

   • Once the tomato mixture is cooked, carefully remove the cover.
   • Add the hot cooked pasta to the casserole dish, gently folding it into the tomato mixture until well coated.
   • Microwave uncovered for an additional 3 minutes to ensure the pasta is heated through.
   • Serve the Greek Pasta Dinner hot, garnished with extra crumbled feta cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.

7. Enjoy:

   • Serve immediately and savor the delicious blend of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
   • Pair with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 424.4
• Fat: 10.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.6g
• Cholesterol: 16.1mg
• Sodium: 348.7mg
• Carbohydrates: 75.3g
  • Fiber: 12.1g
  • Sugar: 8.2g
• Protein: 11.1g

Tips:

• Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add more vegetables or olives for extra flavor.
• Experiment with different types of cheese for varied taste profiles. Try goat cheese or kasseri cheese for a unique twist.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.
• Make extra servings and store leftovers in an airtight container for a convenient and delicious meal prep option.

Conclusion:

This Greek Pasta Dinner recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors that will transport you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. With its simple preparation and hearty ingredients, it’s the perfect dish for a quick and satisfying meal any day of the week. Enjoy the vibrant colors, bold flavors, and wholesome goodness of this Mediterranean-inspired pasta creation. Buon appetito! 🇬🇷🍝