Vegan Olive Oil Pasta

Vegan Olive Oil Pasta is a delightful Greek-inspired dish that combines al dente pasta with a medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, all tossed in high-quality olive oil. It's a light yet satisfying meal that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or linguine) - 150 grams
• Extra virgin olive oil - 4 tablespoons
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Cherry tomatoes - 200 grams, halved
• Kalamata olives - 80 grams, pitted and sliced
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Fresh basil - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Red pepper flakes - 1/4 teaspoon (optional)

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
4. Stir in the sliced Kalamata olives, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley, basil, and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with additional herbs if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbs: 66 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in healthy fats from olive oil, which can support heart health.
• Contains antioxidants from tomatoes and olives, promoting overall wellness.

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