Mediterranean Tomato Penne Delight
Savor the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful Tomato Penne Pasta dish. Bursting with fresh ingredients, including ripe tomatoes, crisp green onions, and fragrant herbs like parsley and dill, this pasta is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The addition of crumbled feta cheese provides a creamy, tangy contrast, but feel free to leave it out for a lighter version. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe serves up generous portions that are sure to impress and satisfy. Embrace the essence of Greek cuisine with every delicious bite!
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
2 lbs (halved, seeded, chopped)
Green Onion
1 cup (chopped (white and pale green parts only))
Feta Cheese
7 oz (crumbled)
Fresh Parsley
6 tbsp (chopped)
Fresh Dill
1/4 cup (chopped)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup (none)
Penne Pasta
12 oz (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved, seeded, and chopped tomatoes, along with the chopped green onion (white and pale green parts only), crumbled feta cheese (if using), chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh dill, and extra virgin olive oil. Mix thoroughly and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add salt to taste, then add the penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the remaining water from the pasta.
4
Add the hot, drained penne to the bowl with the tomato mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat the pasta with the mixture. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
5
Season the pasta to taste with additional salt and freshly cracked pepper. Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley or dill if desired.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Tomato Penne Delight?
Mediterranean Tomato Penne Delight is a vibrant pasta dish featuring fresh tomatoes, green onions, herbs, and feta cheese, inspired by Greek cuisine.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by omitting the feta cheese or using a plant-based feta alternative.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 12 oz of penne pasta.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 250 calories per serving.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of tomatoes that should be halved, seeded, and chopped.
How do I prepare the green onions?
Use 1 cup of chopped green onions, focusing on the white and pale green parts only.
What herbs are used in this dish?
The dish uses fresh parsley and fresh dill for authentic Mediterranean flavor.
How much feta cheese is needed?
You will need 7 oz of crumbled feta cheese.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 8g of fat.
How much protein does this pasta dish provide?
This recipe provides 7g of protein per serving.
Do I need to cook the tomato and herb mixture?
No, the tomato mixture is combined raw in a bowl and the heat from the cooked pasta helps meld the flavors.
Should I save the pasta cooking water?
Yes, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water to adjust the consistency of the sauce if it seems too dry.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How long does it take to prepare?
This is considered a quick and easy meal, taking roughly the time it takes to boil water and cook the pasta.
Can I serve this dish cold?
While the recipe suggests serving it warm, it can also be enjoyed as a cold pasta salad.
How do I ensure the pasta doesn't stick?
Stir the pasta occasionally while it is boiling in a large pot of salted water.
What does 'al dente' mean?
Al dente refers to cooking the pasta so it is firm to the bite, rather than soft.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, with its fresh vegetables, olive oil, and moderate calorie count, it is tagged as a healthy meal.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Fresh dill is preferred for this recipe, but if using dried, reduce the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.
What should I do if the pasta feels dry?
Add a little bit of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
They should be halved, seeded, and then chopped before being added to the mixture.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including salt and pepper.
Can I substitute penne for another pasta?
Yes, other short pasta shapes like fusilli or rigatoni would work well with this sauce.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include mediterranean, pasta, tomato, penne, greek, vegetarian, quick meal, healthy, and easy.
Does this recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and freshly cracked pepper are added to taste.
What makes this dish 'Greek' style?
The combination of feta cheese, extra virgin olive oil, dill, and fresh tomatoes gives it a classic Greek flavor profile.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Based on the provided data, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
Can I garnish the dish?
Yes, it is recommended to garnish with extra parsley or dill if desired.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.