Mediterranean Penne with Cherry Tomatoes and Kalamata Olives
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this luscious penne dish, featuring succulent cherry tomatoes and briny Kalamata olives. This recipe is a delightful symphony of tastes and textures, combining the sweetness of sun-ripened tomatoes with the boldness of olives, all brought together with aromatic garlic and fresh parsley. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also brings an impressive, colorful presentation to the table. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and watch as even the pickiest eaters ask for seconds. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a cherished favorite that you’ll want to make again and again!
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne rigate
1 lb (uncooked)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (for sautéing)
Garlic
4 cloves (thinly sliced)
Cherry tomatoes
3 cups (halved)
Pitted Kalamata olives
3/4 cup (chopped)
Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups (grated)
Fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (for heat)
Dried oregano
1 tablespoon (for flavor)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne rigate and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped Kalamata olives, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
3
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over low heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté gently for about 4 minutes, or until the garlic is translucent and fragrant but not browned.
4
Increase the heat to medium-low. Add the prepared cherry tomato and olive mixture to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 1 to 3 minutes, just until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices; be careful not to overcook them as they should remain firm.
5
Return the drained penne to the pot. Toss with the chopped parsley and add the sautéed tomato and olive mixture. If the pasta is too dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
6
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well incorporated. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley or cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
42g
Carbs
15g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Penne with Cherry Tomatoes and Kalamata Olives?
It is a vibrant pasta dish featuring succulent cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of penne rigate.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are 350 calories per serving.
Is this Mediterranean penne recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is classified as vegetarian.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The 4 cloves of garlic should be thinly sliced.
What kind of olives are used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of pitted and chopped Kalamata olives.
How much Parmesan cheese is required?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of grated Parmesan cheese.
Should I save any pasta water?
Yes, reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the penne to help with the sauce consistency.
How long do I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the garlic over low heat for about 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
How long should the tomatoes be cooked?
Sauté the tomatoes for only 1 to 3 minutes so they remain firm and don't overcook.
What herbs are included in this recipe?
The recipe uses fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley and dried oregano.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
What is the protein content?
This dish contains 15g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 13g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 42g of carbohydrates.
Does this dish provide dietary fiber?
Yes, it provides 2.5g of fiber per serving.
Can I serve this dish at room temperature?
Yes, it can be served hot or at room temperature.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor.
How many cherry tomatoes do I need?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of halved cherry tomatoes.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
Stir in the Parmesan cheese at the final step until well incorporated.
What should I do if the pasta feels too dry?
Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
How do I cook the penne?
Cook it in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
What is the preparation for the parsley?
The parsley should be chopped and you need about 1/4 cup.
Can I use regular black pepper?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper for the best seasoning.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
It combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the boldness of olives and aromatic garlic.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a great choice for family dinners.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients.
What is the best way to garnish the pasta?
Garnish with extra fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Should the garlic be browned?
No, the garlic should be translucent and fragrant but not browned.
What should I do with the oregano and red pepper flakes?
Combine them in a bowl with the tomatoes and olives to let the flavors meld before sautéing.