Italian > Antipasti > Formagelle

Formaggelle with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Olives Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound formaggelle pasta
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Mixing bowl
- Serving dish

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the formaggelle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

2. While the pasta is cooking, chop the sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives and place them in a mixing bowl.

3. Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and add it to the mixing bowl with the sun-dried tomatoes and olives.

4. Drizzle the olive oil over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.

5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and garnish with fresh basil leaves.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 55g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 12g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer, but short pasta shapes work best.
- If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh cherry tomatoes instead.
- Any type of pitted olives can be used in place of kalamata olives.

Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese.
- Add chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for extra flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to salt the pasta water generously to add flavor to the pasta.
- Reserve some of the pasta cooking water to add to the pasta if it seems dry.
- You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pasta in a large serving bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with extra chopped herbs or grated cheese.

Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Chopped parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese

Pairings:
- Serve with a simple green salad and crusty bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled chicken

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta cooking water to moisten it.

Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the pasta to al dente to avoid overcooking it.

Food history:
- Formaggelle is a type of pasta from the Abruzzo region of Italy.

Flavor profiles:
- The sun-dried tomatoes and olives add a salty, tangy flavor to the pasta, while the Parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve this pasta dish as a main course or as a side dish.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Salty, Herby, Robust