Mediterranean Pasta with Roasted Grape Tomatoes and Feta
Indulge in this exquisite Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of roasted grape tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, tangy capers, and creamy feta cheese. Each bite is a delightful celebration of fresh ingredients, enhanced with aromatic garlic, zesty fresh oregano, and a dash of balsamic vinegar for depth. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a charming gathering, this dish will transport you straight to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean.
N/A
Servings
367
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Grape tomatoes
2 1/2 lbs (halved)
Olive oil
1/3 cup
Garlic cloves
5 (minced)
Balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon
Hot pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon
Fresh oregano
3 tablespoons (chopped)
Farfalle pasta
1 lb
Kalamata olives
1/2 cup (pitted and halved)
Capers
1/4 cup (drained)
Feta cheese
6 ounces (crumbled)
Pine nuts
1/4 cup (toasted (optional))
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the center.
2
2. In a 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish (or any baking dish), combine the halved grape tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
3
3. Roast the tomato mixture in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are tender and juicy. Once out of the oven, stir in the chopped fresh oregano. This mixture can be prepared ahead of time; let it cool to room temperature and reheat in the oven for 10 minutes before mixing with the pasta.
4
4. While the tomatoes are roasting, rinse the capers and feta cheese under cold water to remove excess salt and gently pat dry with paper towels.
5
5. If using, toast the pine nuts in a small baking dish for about 4-5 minutes at 300°F (150°C), keeping a close eye to prevent burning. You can toast the nuts earlier in the day if desired.
6
6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and return to the pot.
7
7. Add the roasted tomato mixture, halved Kalamata olives, and drained capers to the pasta. Stir over medium heat for about 2 minutes until heated through.
8
8. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to melt slightly and create a creamy consistency, about 2 minutes.
9
9. Serve the pasta on plates or in bowls, garnished with the toasted pine nuts if using, and enjoy your Mediterranean culinary creation!
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
30g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Pasta with Roasted Grape Tomatoes and Feta?
It is an exquisite pasta dish featuring vibrant flavors of roasted grape tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, tangy capers, and creamy feta cheese, enhanced with garlic, oregano, and balsamic vinegar.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat or fish products.
How many calories are in a serving of this pasta?
Each serving contains approximately 367 calories.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of farfalle pasta, also known as bowtie pasta.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While farfalle is recommended, you can substitute it with other shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini.
What temperature should I set my oven to for roasting the tomatoes?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for roasting the tomato mixture.
How long do the grape tomatoes need to roast?
The tomatoes should roast for about 45 minutes, or until they are tender and juicy.
How many grape tomatoes do I need?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 lbs of grape tomatoes, halved.
Why should I rinse the capers and feta cheese?
Rinsing them under cold water helps remove excess salt from the brine they are stored in.
How do I toast the pine nuts?
Toast the pine nuts in a small baking dish at 300°F (150°C) for about 4-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Can I make the roasted tomato mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead, let it cool to room temperature, and then reheat it in the oven for 10 minutes before mixing with the pasta.
What type of olives are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of pitted and halved Kalamata olives.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 5 minced garlic cloves.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish or a similar oven-safe dish is recommended.
Is this dish considered spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, but it is not overly spicy.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There are 22g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this meal?
Each serving provides 8g of protein.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this recipe?
The pasta dish contains 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
When should I add the fresh oregano?
Stir in the chopped fresh oregano once the tomato mixture is removed from the oven.
How do I ensure the feta cheese creates a creamy consistency?
Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and allow it to melt slightly over medium heat for about 2 minutes.
Are the pine nuts mandatory?
No, the toasted pine nuts are an optional garnish for extra crunch and flavor.
What herbs can I use if I don't have fresh oregano?
While fresh oregano is preferred, you could use fresh basil or a smaller amount of dried oregano as a substitute.
What is the primary oil used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of olive oil.
How do I cook the pasta for this dish?
Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until it is al dente, following the package instructions.
Is there vinegar in this Mediterranean pasta?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar is used to add depth to the roasted tomato mixture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the optional pine nuts.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
While the roasting takes 45 minutes, the actual hands-on preparation is simple, making it a great option for a relaxed dinner.
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes?
Grape tomatoes are preferred for their sweetness and ability to hold shape, but cherry tomatoes are an excellent substitute.
How much feta cheese is needed?
You will need 6 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include pasta, Mediterranean, healthy, vegetarian, and comfort food.