![- Whole wheat spaghetti - Cherry tomatoes - Kalamata olives - Feta cheese - Zucchini - Red bell pepper For this dish, fresh ingredients make a big difference. Whole wheat spaghetti adds a hearty touch. I love using cherry tomatoes because they burst with flavor. Kalamata olives bring a salty kick that pairs well with the feta cheese. Zucchini adds a nice crunch. Don’t forget the red bell pepper for a sweet taste. - Olive oil - Garlic - Lemon juice - Dried oregano - Salt and pepper These pantry staples are key for flavor. Olive oil adds richness and helps sauté the veggies. Garlic gives a wonderful aroma and taste. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish. Dried oregano adds a hint of earthiness. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. - Large pot for cooking pasta - Skillet for sautéing - Spiralizer (optional) You need a large pot to cook the spaghetti. A skillet is great for sautéing the veggies. A spiralizer is optional but fun if you want zucchini noodles. Use these tools to make your cooking easier and faster. For the full recipe, check the details above. - Prepare Salted Water: Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt. This will help flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil. - Achieve Al Dente Texture: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water. Cook it according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, meaning it should be firm yet tender. Once done, save 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the rest and set the pasta aside. - Heat Olive Oil in Skillet: In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. This takes about a minute. - Add Garlic and Red Bell Pepper: Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Sauté these for 2-3 minutes. You want them to soften and become fragrant. - Incorporate Zucchini and Tomatoes: Stir in the diced zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Cook this mixture for 4-5 minutes. The tomatoes will soften and release their juices. - Toss Pasta and Season: Now, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Pour in the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together. Mix in the Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors. For more details, refer to the [Full Recipe]. Enjoy your Mediterranean pasta! To cook al dente pasta, follow these steps: - Use a large pot of salted water. - Boil the water before adding the pasta. - Stir the pasta during cooking. - Check the pasta a minute before the time on the package. To avoid sticky spaghetti, try these tips: - Add a little oil to the boiling water. - Stir the pasta often while it cooks. - Rinse the pasta in cold water after draining. Balancing flavors is key. Use lemon juice to add acidity. This brightens the dish. Pair it with feta for saltiness. Adjust these flavors to your taste. Fresh herbs can boost the taste of your meal. Add chopped basil or parsley at the end. They bring fresh notes and vibrant color. You can also use dried herbs, but fresh ones make a big difference. Garnishing with fresh basil makes your dish pop. Scatter whole leaves on top before serving. It adds color and aroma. For serving suggestions, use a large platter. This creates a nice display. You can also serve individual bowls for a cozy feel. Consider pairing the pasta with a simple salad for balance. {{image_2}} For a fresh twist, try a Mediterranean pasta salad. Use the same base recipe but focus on cold, crisp ingredients. Greek Ingredients to Include - Cucumber, diced - Red onion, finely chopped - Fresh parsley, chopped - Artichoke hearts, quartered These additions bring bright flavors. They also make the salad more colorful. Toss everything with a light dressing of olive oil and lemon juice. Cold Serving Suggestions Serve it chilled on a hot day. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. You can also serve it as a side dish at picnics. Seafood adds a rich layer to your dish. Shrimp or scallops work great in this recipe. Adding Shrimp or Scallops Add shrimp or scallops to the skillet after sautéing your garlic and red bell pepper. Cook them until they turn pink. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Cooking Times for Seafood Don't overcook them! Overcooked seafood can become tough. Keep an eye on the color change for perfect results. You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. There are simple swaps to keep the flavor. Alternative Cheeses If you want a vegetarian option, use ricotta or goat cheese. For a vegan choice, try cashew cheese or tofu. They add creaminess without dairy. Plant-Based Protein Substitutes For protein, consider chickpeas or lentils. They blend well with the pasta and add heartiness. You can also use tempeh for a protein boost. To store leftovers, let your Mediterranean pasta cool down. Place it in an airtight container. I recommend using glass containers. They keep the pasta fresh and let you see what's inside. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. The best way to reheat pasta is on the stove. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Heat it on low. Stir gently to combine the flavors. You can also use a microwave. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Yes, you can freeze Mediterranean pasta. Make sure it cools completely before freezing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove, adding a bit of water for moisture. Enjoy your Mediterranean sunset pasta again! Check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to prepare this delicious dish. Mediterranean pasta is a colorful dish filled with fresh and bright flavors. It often includes ingredients like tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. This dish celebrates the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, which focuses on fresh, seasonal foods. Key characteristics: - Whole Wheat Spaghetti: A healthy base that adds fiber. - Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they bring freshness. - Kalamata Olives: These add a briny, rich flavor. - Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy, it complements the dish. - Zucchini and Red Bell Pepper: These veggies add crunch and color. Yes, you can easily customize Mediterranean pasta! This recipe allows for creativity and personal taste. Suggested ingredient swaps: - Pasta Type: Use regular spaghetti or gluten-free options. - Cheese: Try goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative. - Vegetables: Add spinach, artichokes, or bell peppers. - Proteins: Toss in cooked chicken or shrimp for more protein. Making Mediterranean pasta is quick and easy. - Prep Time: About 10 minutes. - Cooking Time: Roughly 20 minutes. - Total Time: You can have this dish ready in about 30 minutes. Enjoy the Mediterranean sunset pasta with friends or family! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. Mediterranean Pasta brings fresh flavors and easy steps to your kitchen. We covered key ingredients like whole wheat spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives, along with pantry staples such as olive oil and garlic. Cooking involves precise steps for perfect texture and taste. You can customize your dish with variations like pasta salad or seafood options. As you explore this recipe, remember that simple ingredients create great meals. Enjoy your cooking and share your tasty results with others!](https://therecipehatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/4f307088-dab2-4a26-8399-c7caa66de695-300x300.webp)
Mediterranean Pasta
Create a delightful dining experience with this Mediterranean Sunset Pasta! Bursting with colorful veggies, tangy feta, and robust olives, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner. In just 30 minutes, you'll have a dish that's not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients. Click through to discover the full recipe and step-by-step instructions for this flavorful pasta dish!