Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil and Olives
Pasta with Tomatoes, Basil, and Olives Recipe from Italy
Introduction
This Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil and Olives recipe is a delicious and easy dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual dinner with friends. The combination of fresh tomatoes, salty olives, creamy feta cheese, and fragrant basil creates a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
History
This recipe is inspired by traditional Mediterranean flavors, where tomatoes, olives, and basil are commonly used in cooking. The addition of feta cheese adds a creamy and tangy element to the dish, making it a unique and delicious twist on a classic pasta recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) campanelle or farfalle pasta
- 1.5 lb (680 g) plum tomatoes, cut into chunks
- 6 oz (170 g) ricotta or feta cheese, crumbled
- 0.5 cup kalamata olives
- 0.5 cup torn basil leaves
- 0.25 cup olive oil
How to prepare
- Bring a pot of water with salt to a boil.
- Cook the pasta following the instructions on the package.
- In a serving bowl, combine tomatoes, ricotta, olives, basil, and oil.
- Drain the cooked pasta.
- Add the pasta to the tomato mixture and toss to combine.
- Garnish with Parmesan cheese.
Variations
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Use different types of pasta such as penne or spaghetti.
- Substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese or Parmesan.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the tomato mixture.
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor in this dish.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other ingredients such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil and Olives dish with a side salad and a glass of white wine for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water for the best texture.
- Toss the pasta with the tomato mixture while it is still warm to allow the flavors to meld together.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use cherry tomatoes instead of plum tomatoes for a sweeter flavor.
- Substitute black olives for kalamata olives if desired.
- Use fresh mozzarella instead of feta cheese for a milder taste.
Make Ahead Tips
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil and Olives with additional torn basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil and Olives recipe contains approximately 400 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of this Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil and Olives recipe contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of this Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil and Olives recipe contains approximately 20 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of this Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil and Olives recipe contains approximately 15 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and basil, calcium from the feta cheese, and iron from the olives.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (pasta), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.
Summary
Overall, this Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil and Olives recipe is a balanced and nutritious meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Summary
This Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil and Olives recipe is a delicious and easy dish that is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. With its fresh and flavorful ingredients, this pasta dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Pasta with Tomatoes, Basil, and Olives. It was a warm summer day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a faded piece of paper fell out, revealing a handwritten recipe that caught my eye.
The recipe was simple yet intriguing, calling for ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and briny olives to create a flavorful sauce that would coat the pasta perfectly. I had never tried this combination before, but something about it sparked my culinary curiosity.
I decided to give the recipe a try, gathering all the ingredients I needed from my garden and pantry. The scent of fresh basil filled the air as I chopped it finely, the tomatoes bursting with juicy sweetness as I diced them, and the olives adding a salty kick to the dish.
As I sautéed the garlic in olive oil and added the tomatoes to the pan, the kitchen was filled with a heavenly aroma that made my mouth water. I added in the basil and olives, letting them simmer together until the flavors melded into a rich and savory sauce.
I cooked the pasta al dente and tossed it with the sauce, the vibrant colors of the tomatoes and basil mingling with the briny olives to create a dish that was as visually appealing as it was delicious. I couldn't wait to taste the final result.
As I took my first bite, I was transported back in time to the flavors of my childhood, when my own grandmother would cook simple yet comforting meals that brought our family together. The sweetness of the tomatoes, the freshness of the basil, and the brininess of the olives all came together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was both familiar and new.
I couldn't help but smile as I savored each bite, the memories of past meals and loved ones flooding back to me with each mouthful. This recipe may have been new to me, but it felt like a connection to my past, a link to the generations of women who had come before me and shared their love of cooking.
As I finished my meal, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I would pass down to future generations with the same love and care that had been handed down to me. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my heritage and create new memories, and this recipe for Pasta with Tomatoes, Basil, and Olives was no exception.
I am grateful for the chance to learn and grow as a cook, to experiment with new flavors and ingredients, and to share the joy of a homemade meal with those I love. Each recipe I come across is a new adventure, a new opportunity to create something delicious and meaningful, and I look forward to many more culinary journeys in the years to come.