Olive & Artichoke Pasta
A flavorful pasta dish featuring briny olives, tender artichokes, and aromatic garlic, perfect for a comforting Mediterranean meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Core Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 1 cup pitted olives (black or green), sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 each Juice of 1 lemon
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta (spaghetti or penne) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
Sautéing
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the sliced olives and quartered artichoke hearts. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are coated in the aromatic oil.
Mixing Everything
- Introduce the drained pasta to the skillet, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together gently, allowing the heat to warm the pasta while coating it in the olive and artichoke mixture.
Finishing Touches
- Remove the skillet from heat, and stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice. This will add a fresh taste and bright aroma to your dish.
Serving
- If desired, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Dive into this delicious Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish and enjoy!
Notes
Choose high-quality ingredients for best flavor. To avoid soggy pasta, monitor the cooking time closely. Reserve pasta water to create a light sauce. You can customize flavors based on your preferences.