Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of penne pasta
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Large skillet for sauce
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
4. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the olive oil and tomato mixture.
5. Add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped basil to the skillet. Toss to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot or at room temperature.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve hot or at room temperature.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of pasta for this recipe, such as fusilli or farfalle.
- 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.
- Goat cheese can be used instead of feta cheese.
- Fresh oregano can be used instead of parsley or basil.
Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Use roasted red peppers instead of sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add capers for an extra burst of flavor.
- Use different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for a different flavor profile.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta. This can be used to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the skillet.
- This dish can be served as a main course or as a side dish.
Storage instructions:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, simply microwave the leftovers or heat them up in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pasta in a large bowl or on a platter.
- Garnish with additional chopped herbs or crumbled feta cheese.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Lemon wedges
Pairings:
- This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Grilled vegetables
- Greek salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out.
- If the pasta is too dry, add a little more olive oil to the skillet.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente to avoid overcooking and becoming mushy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
- Mediterranean cuisine is known for its use of fresh herbs, olive oil, and bold flavors. This dish is inspired by the flavors of Greece and Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- This dish is savory, tangy, and slightly salty from the olives and feta cheese. The sun-dried tomatoes add a touch of sweetness, while the fresh herbs bring a bright, fresh flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve this dish as a main course or as a side dish at a Mediterranean-themed dinner party.
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