Mediterranean Olive Pasta Recipe (Pasta Puttanesca)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Vegetable
Calories: 758.1 per serving
Description:
This Mediterranean Olive Pasta, also known as Pasta Puttanesca, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Mediterranean cuisine right to your table. The recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to use various types of olives, though I personally recommend kalamata and Greek olives for their rich and briny flavor. Adding a sweet wine to balance the saltiness of the olives is optional, but it enhances the overall depth of the dish. The secret to this recipe lies in the garlic, which is roasted to bring out a sweeter, milder flavor. Serve it as a main course or pair it with chicken for an added protein boost.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Kalamata olives (or other types of olives) | 2 cups |
| Onion | 1 large |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Fresh tomatoes | 2 cups |
| Red wine (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Pasta (spaghetti or your choice) | 1 lb |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 758.1 kcal |
| Fat Content | 21.1 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 3 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 0 mg |
| Sodium Content | 1650.1 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 122.3 g |
| Fiber Content | 8.4 g |
| Sugar Content | 25.5 g |
| Protein Content | 21 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Olives:
- If using kalamata or Greek olives, begin by removing the pits. To do this, place the olives on a cutting board and gently smash them with the flat side of a chef’s knife blade to release the pit. Discard the pits once removed.
- Roughly chop the olives into small pieces and set aside.
-
Roast the Garlic:
- For a truly flavorful dish, roast the garlic. Take a whole head of garlic, remove the outer layers of skin, and cut off the top. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap the garlic in aluminum foil.
- Roast the garlic in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, until it becomes soft and aromatic. Once done, allow it to cool, then squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and set aside.
-
Start the Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 1 minute, allowing it to soften and become fragrant.
-
Add the Garlic:
- Stir in the roasted garlic and sauté for another minute. Be sure to avoid letting the garlic brown, as this can lead to bitterness.
-
Incorporate the Tomatoes and Olives:
- Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes and olives, mixing well. Allow the ingredients to cook together for about 5 minutes, letting the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
-
Finish the Sauce:
- Pour in the marinara sauce (if preferred) and the red wine, if using. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 5 minutes, until the sauce is heated through and well combined.
-
Cook the Pasta:
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, typically around 8-10 minutes for al dente pasta.
- Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce.
-
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Once the pasta is ready, add it to the sauce, tossing it thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
-
Serve:
- Serve the Mediterranean Olive Pasta hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy the burst of flavors with each bite!
Additional Tips:
- Wine Pairing: If you’re adding red wine to the dish, a dry red wine like Chianti or a lighter red such as Pinot Noir works beautifully, balancing the olive’s salty richness.
- For a Protein Boost: Consider adding grilled chicken to the pasta or serving it on the side. The flavors of the chicken blend well with the Mediterranean theme of the dish.
- Serving Suggestions: This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or a loaf of crusty bread to mop up the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: It only takes 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual weekend dinner.
- Flavorful & Versatile: The combination of olives, tomatoes, and garlic creates a deliciously complex flavor profile that can be adjusted to suit your tastes.
- Healthy & Satisfying: With a good balance of carbs, healthy fats, and protein, this pasta is both filling and nutritious.
Enjoy making this Mediterranean Olive Pasta! It’s a delightful dish full of Mediterranean flair, ready to be shared with family and friends.
