Pasta with Olives

This Pasta with Olives combines the vibrant flavors of Greece with the heartiness of pasta, making it a delightful vegetarian dish. The briny olives and fresh herbs create a refreshing yet satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or penne) - 200 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Kalamata olives - 100 grams, pitted and halved
• Cherry tomatoes - 200 grams, halved
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Feta cheese - 50 grams, crumbled
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
5. Add the halved Kalamata olives to the skillet and mix well, allowing them to heat through for about 2 minutes.
6. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato and olive mixture.
8. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
9. Stir in chopped parsley, crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste.
10. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and feta if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 15 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in healthy fats from olives and olive oil, promoting heart health.
• High in antioxidants from tomatoes and garlic, supporting immune function.

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