Looking to elevate your weeknight dinner with a burst of Mediterranean flavors? Dive into the deliciousness of Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes, Basil, and Feta Cheese! This vibrant dish combines the tangy richness of feta, the sweet depth of sun-dried tomatoes, and the aromatic freshness of basil, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you can impress your family or guests with a gourmet meal that feels like a culinary getaway to Italy. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to warm them through.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta in a colander.
- Transfer the drained pasta directly into the skillet with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Toss gently to combine.
- If the mixture seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the pasta and gently mix to distribute evenly.
- Remove the skillet from heat and fold in fresh chopped basil.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately in warm plates, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes like fusilli or penne that hold onto the sauce well, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese for the best taste. If possible, go for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for added richness.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: Adding salt to the boiling water is crucial as it enhances the pasta's flavor. Make sure it's generously salted!
- Perfectly Al Dente: Keep an eye on the pasta while it cooks. Test it a minute or two before the package instructions say it’s done to achieve that perfect al dente texture.
- Pasta Water is Your Friend: The reserved pasta cooking water is starchy and helps to create a silky sauce. Add it gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- Fresh Basil is Key: For the best flavor, use fresh basil instead of dried. Add it at the end to preserve its bright color and aroma.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 359kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
