Mediterranean Pasta

Transport your taste buds straight to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean with this vibrant Mediterranean Pasta recipe. Packed with hearty penne, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, briny kalamata olives, and a burst of freshness from cherry tomatoes and baby spinach, this dish is a celebration of bold, authentic flavors. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice elevate the dish, while crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, salty finish. With fragrant garlic, aromatic oregano, and a touch of fresh basil, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a light, satisfying meal. Serve this Mediterranean-inspired pasta on its own or pair it with crusty bread for an irresistibly delicious dining experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 units garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• 0.5 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 unit lemon, juiced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the chopped basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the vegetables and seasonings. If the mixture seems dry, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 8

Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the pasta and toss gently.

Step 9

Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the pasta and stir lightly to combine.

Step 10

Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1032.5 grams (1032.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2668

Total Fat 95.00g	122%
Saturated Fat 19.30g	97%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 53mg	18%
Sodium 4805mg	209%
Total Carbohydrate 372.50g	135%
Dietary Fiber 30.20g	108%
Total Sugars 69.40g
Protein 88.30g	177%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 743mg	57%
Iron 31mg	173%
Potassium 4724mg	101%

*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: 31.7%

Protein: 13.1%

Carbs: 55.2%