Mediterranean Basil Pasta

Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean Basil Pasta, a dish that brings the fresh, bold tastes of the Mediterranean straight to your table. Featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a luscious garlic and olive oil sauce, this recipe is bursting with juicy blistered cherry tomatoes, briny kalamata olives, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Fresh basil infuses the dish with an herby brightness, while crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy finish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy one-pan recipe is perfect for busy evenings and pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a simple green salad. It’s a light yet satisfying vegetarian pasta dish that will delight your taste buds and transport you to the shores of the Mediterranean with every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g spaghetti
• 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 count garlic cloves
• 300 g cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 100 g kalamata olives (pitted and sliced)
• 100 g feta cheese (crumbled)
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 4 liters water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8–10 minutes.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.

Step 4

Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly blistered.

Step 5

Stir in the red pepper flakes, kalamata olives, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 6

Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the cooked spaghetti.

Step 7

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss with the tomato mixture until well combined, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a silky sauce.

Step 8

Tear the fresh basil leaves roughly and stir them into the pasta right before serving.

Step 9

Divide the pasta among serving plates, then sprinkle each plate with crumbled feta cheese.

Step 10

Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, bright flavors of this Mediterranean-inspired dish!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	5048 grams (5048.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1679

Total Fat 98.60g	126%
Saturated Fat 25.50g	127%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 89mg	30%
Sodium 4402mg	191%
Total Carbohydrate 152.10g	55%
Dietary Fiber 15.80g	56%
Total Sugars 13.50g
Protein 43.90g	88%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 942mg	72%
Iron 12mg	64%
Potassium 1179mg	25%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.1%

Protein: 10.5%

Carbs: 36.4%