Tomato Pasta with Olives

Savor the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with this Tomato Pasta with Olives recipe, a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Featuring al dente spaghetti or penne tossed in a fragrant homemade tomato sauce, this recipe combines the sweetness of ripe, juicy tomatoes with the bold, briny notes of black olives and optional capers. A touch of red chili flakes adds gentle heat, while dried oregano and fresh basil infuse each bite with herbaceous goodness. Finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 35 minutes. Simple yet delicious, this vegetarian pasta is a true celebration of fresh ingredients and classic Italian cooking. Perfect for those searching for quick pasta recipes with bold, Mediterranean flavors!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams spaghetti or penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves
• 5 medium ripe tomatoes
• 100 grams black olives (pitted)
• 2 teaspoons capers (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 10 leaves fresh basil leaves
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

Mince the garlic cloves, then add them to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown.

Step 4

Dice the tomatoes and add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they break down and form a sauce-like consistency.

Step 5

Slice the black olives and stir them into the tomato sauce. Add the capers (if using), red chili flakes, and dried oregano. Mix well.

Step 6

Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water and mix until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 8

Tear the fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the pasta. Toss gently to combine.

Step 9

Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1239 grams (1239.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1458

Total Fat 73.10g	94%
Saturated Fat 16.60g	83%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 45mg	15%
Sodium 4013mg	174%
Total Carbohydrate 161.60g	59%
Dietary Fiber 19.60g	70%
Total Sugars 18.40g
Protein 48.50g	97%

Vitamin D 11IU	53%
Calcium 804mg	62%
Iron 9mg	52%
Potassium 1850mg	39%

*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: 43.9%

Protein: 12.9%

Carbs: 43.1%