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Easy Mediterranean Pasta Recipe

Recipe by Pedro M. A. Neves

This Easy Mediterranean Pasta Recipe combines al dente spaghetti with fresh tomatoes, Kalamata olives, crisp bell peppers, and aromatic basil for a light yet satisfying dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe captures the essence of Southern Italian coastal cooking with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

• 400g spaghetti
• 400g canned crushed tomatoes
• 100g Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 60ml extra virgin olive oil
• 10g fresh basil leaves
• 50g crumbled feta cheese
• 5ml red wine vinegar
• 2.5ml salt
• 1.25ml black pepper
• 1.25ml dried oregano

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, approximately 9-11 minutes. Reserve 120ml pasta water before draining.

2. While pasta cooks, heat 60ml extra virgin olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.

3. Add diced red and yellow bell peppers to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peppers begin to soften.

4. Pour in 400g canned crushed tomatoes with their juices. Add dried oregano, 2.5ml salt, and 1.25ml black pepper. Stir well to combine.

5. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld.

Substitutions

• Use cherry tomatoes, halved and lightly sautéed, instead of canned crushed tomatoes for fresher flavor and texture
• Replace feta cheese with crumbled ricotta salata or grated Pecorino Romano for a different brined or sharp cheese profile
• Substitute Kalamata olives with green Castelvetrano olives for a milder, buttery flavor
• Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising texture or taste

Tips

• Do not discard pasta water—the starch helps the sauce coat the noodles evenly and creates a silkier consistency
• Add the reserved pasta water in 30ml increments at the end to adjust sauce consistency to your preference
• Tear fresh basil by hand rather than cutting with a knife to preserve its delicate oils and prevent browning
• Serve immediately while the pasta is hot, as Mediterranean pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh and not reheated

Mediterranean pasta dishes represent the simplicity and ingredient-focused cooking of coastal Italian regions, particularly Southern Italy and the islands. This style reflects the abundance of local produce, olive oil, and preserved ingredients that have defined Mediterranean diets for centuries.

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