Quick & Flavorful Mediterranean Penne
This Quick & Flavorful Mediterranean Penne is a delightful dish that combines the earthy tastes of olives and artichokes with a hint of garlic and herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal fresh produce, making it an ideal option for those evenings when the fridge is looking bare. Packed with wholesome ingredients like penne pasta, frozen broccoli, and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish brings a burst of flavor and nutrition to your table. With a sprinkle of Parmesan to finish, it's a hit with the whole family and can be prepared in under 30 minutes!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne pasta
16 ounces (uncooked)
Olive oil
1/3 cup (for sautéing)
Garlic cloves
2-3 (minced)
Dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon
Dried basil
1/4 teaspoon
Frozen broccoli
1 1/2 cups
Artichoke hearts
16 ounces (quartered)
Sun-dried tomatoes
a handful (julienned)
Kalamata olives
8 (sliced)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Parmesan cheese
2/3 cup (grated (for serving))
Instructions
1
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering.
2
2. Meanwhile, in a large pot, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, adding the frozen broccoli during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
3
3. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and soft.
4
4. Incorporate the quartered artichokes, julienned sun-dried tomatoes, and sliced olives into the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
5
5. Gently toss the drained pasta and broccoli into the skillet, mixing everything well. If the dish seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6
6. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, topping each portion with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quick & Flavorful Mediterranean Penne?
This is a Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish that combines olives, artichokes, broccoli, and sun-dried tomatoes with a garlic and herb base.
How long does it take to cook this recipe?
The entire recipe can be prepared and served in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 16 ounces of uncooked penne pasta, though other short pasta shapes can be used.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli; simply add it to the boiling pasta water during the last few minutes as you would with frozen.
How do I prepare the artichoke hearts?
You should use 16 ounces of artichoke hearts and ensure they are quartered before adding them to the skillet.
Is this Mediterranean Penne recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How much olive oil is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of olive oil for sautéing the garlic and herbs.
Can I make this dish vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative.
Why should I reserve pasta water?
Reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water allows you to adjust the consistency of the final dish if it appears too dry after mixing.
How do I avoid burning the garlic?
Sauté the minced garlic over medium heat and stir frequently for about 5 minutes until it is fragrant and soft.
Can I add extra protein to this pasta?
Yes, this dish pairs well with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein.
What dried herbs are included?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can this Mediterranean penne be frozen?
While it can be frozen, the texture of the broccoli and pasta may become softer upon reheating.
Is this a good meal for families?
Yes, it is considered a family meal hit and provides a healthy, nutrition-packed dinner.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 servings.
What kind of cheese should I use for serving?
The recipe suggests using 2/3 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to top each portion.
Can I use whole wheat penne instead of white?
Yes, whole wheat penne is an excellent high-fiber substitute for regular penne in this dish.
What if I don't have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can substitute sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
What does it mean to julienne sun-dried tomatoes?
Julienned means to cut the sun-dried tomatoes into thin, long matchstick-like strips.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs, but remember that the flavor of dried herbs is more concentrated, so you may need to increase the amount.
What other vegetables can be added?
Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini are all great additions that complement the Mediterranean flavors.
How do I cook the pasta 'al dente'?
Follow the package instructions and test the pasta a minute or two before the suggested time; it should be firm to the bite.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it contains heart-healthy olive oil and various nutrient-dense vegetables like broccoli and artichokes.
What if I don't have a large skillet?
You can use a large pot or a Dutch oven to combine the pasta and vegetables if a skillet is too small.
Does this recipe contain nuts?
No, this recipe is naturally nut-free.
Can I use jarred minced garlic?
Yes, jarred minced garlic is a convenient alternative to fresh garlic cloves for this quick recipe.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to restore the moisture.
What's the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it warm, immediately after tossing, with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
What type of olives are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 sliced Kalamata olives, known for their rich, fruity flavor.