Mediterranean Penne with Feta and Seasonal Vegetables
Enjoy a delightful and refreshing pasta dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors with chunks of creamy feta, ripe cherry tomatoes, and vibrant summer vegetables. This well-balanced dish is perfect for a light lunch or snack, offering a harmonious blend of textures and nutrients, making it a favorite for warm-weather dining.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
100 ml (for cooking)
garlic clove
1 (crushed)
zucchini
200 g (julienned)
black olives
200 g (whole or sliced)
red capsicum
1/2 (chopped)
yellow capsicum
1/2 (chopped)
cherry tomatoes
500 g (halved)
feta cheese
150 g (crumbled)
thyme
1 tablespoon (fresh leaves preferred)
penne pasta
500 g (or pasta of choice, cooked)
Instructions
1
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
2
2. In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the crushed garlic clove and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3
3. Add the julienned zucchini, red capsicum, and yellow capsicum to the pan. Stir frequently and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender and still vibrant in color.
4
4. Incorporate the cherry tomatoes into the vegetable mixture, and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing them to soften slightly while maintaining their shape.
5
5. Add the crumbled feta cheese, black olives, and thyme to the pan. Stir everything together gently and allow the mixture to cook for another minute so that the flavors meld together well.
6
6. Season the vegetable and cheese mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
7
7. Add the cooked pasta into the pan, tossing everything together carefully to ensure the penne is well-coated with the flavorful mixture. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped herbs for a fresh finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Penne with Feta and Seasonal Vegetables?
It is a refreshing pasta dish featuring creamy feta, cherry tomatoes, and vibrant summer vegetables like zucchini and capsicum.
What kind of pasta should I use for this recipe?
The recipe recommends 500g of penne pasta, but you can use any pasta of your choice.
Is this Mediterranean Penne recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is classified as vegetarian as it uses vegetables and feta cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What specific vegetables are included in this dish?
The dish includes zucchini, red capsicum, yellow capsicum, and cherry tomatoes.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?
While fresh thyme leaves are preferred for the best flavor, you can substitute with dried thyme if necessary.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The 200g of zucchini should be julienned (cut into long, thin strips) before cooking.
How long should I sauté the zucchini and capsicum?
Sauté the julienned zucchini and chopped capsicums for about 2-3 minutes until they are just tender.
What type of olives are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 200g of black olives, which can be used either whole or sliced.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 100 ml of olive oil for cooking and coating the pasta.
Is this dish suitable for a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick meal' and is designed to be a fast and easy lunch or dinner option.
How do I prevent the penne from sticking after cooking?
After draining the pasta, toss it with a splash of olive oil to prevent the pieces from sticking together.
Can I use only one color of capsicum?
Yes, though the recipe uses both red and yellow for color variety, you can use whatever you have available.
How should the garlic be prepared?
One garlic clove should be crushed and sautéed in olive oil for about 1 minute until fragrant.
When should I add the cherry tomatoes?
Add the halved cherry tomatoes after the other vegetables have softened, and cook them for only about 30 seconds.
How much feta cheese is included?
The recipe uses 150g of crumbled feta cheese.
What is the best way to cook the pasta?
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente according to package instructions.
Can this dish be served cold?
While the instructions describe a hot sauté, the ingredients also make it an excellent choice for a cold pasta salad.
What should I garnish the pasta with?
Serve the dish immediately and garnish with freshly chopped herbs for a vibrant finish.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can easily substitute the penne with any gluten-free pasta of your choice.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features various fresh vegetables and olive oil.
How do I season the vegetable and cheese mixture?
Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting the amounts to your personal taste.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would pair well with these Mediterranean flavors.
Should the cherry tomatoes be kept whole?
No, the tomatoes should be halved to allow them to soften and release their juices into the sauce.
What if I don't have fresh thyme?
You can substitute with dried thyme or other Mediterranean herbs like oregano or basil.
How do I combine the pasta and vegetables?
Add the cooked pasta directly into the pan with the vegetables and cheese, tossing carefully to coat.
What makes this dish 'Mediterranean'?
The use of olive oil, garlic, feta cheese, olives, and fresh summer vegetables defines its Mediterranean profile.
Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Yes, you can use goat cheese or ricotta salata if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this pasta holds up well and can be eaten for lunch the next day, either warm or cold.
How much capsicum should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of a red capsicum and 1/2 of a yellow capsicum, both chopped.