Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner with a burst of Mediterranean flavors? Dive into the delightful world of "Pasta with Olives, Capers, and Parsley," a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to sun-kissed shores with every bite! This quick and easy recipe, perfect for busy evenings, combines the briny goodness of olives and capers with the freshness of parsley, all enveloped in al dente pasta. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a meal that not only satisfies but also impresses. Don’t miss out on this culinary gem—read on to discover how to create this vibrant dish at home!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- pasta
- black olives
- capers
- fresh parsley
- olive oil
- garlic
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- While water is heating, finely chop fresh parsley leaves and mince 3-4 cloves of garlic. Roughly chop black olives into small pieces.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add chopped olives and capers to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic and oil. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add directly to the skillet with olives and capers. Toss thoroughly to coat pasta with the sauce.
- If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water gradually to create a light, glossy coating.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper and additional salt if needed.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, optionally drizzling with extra virgin olive oil.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as fusilli or penne, to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
- Salt Your Water: Don’t skimp on salt when boiling your pasta; it should taste like the sea! This is your chance to infuse flavor into the pasta itself.
- Timing is Key: To achieve perfect al dente pasta, start checking for doneness a minute or two before the package instructions suggest.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a bit of the pasta cooking water before draining; it’s a secret weapon for creating a silky sauce.
- Sauté Garlic Carefully: Keep an eye on the garlic while it’s sautéing; you want it fragrant and golden, not burnt, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh parsley and high-quality olives for the best flavor. If possible, seek out Mediterranean olives for an authentic taste.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: For an extra touch of luxury, finish your dish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil before serving.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it hot from the skillet for the most enjoyable experience.
- Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes or red pepper flakes for a kick, making the dish your own.
- Pair with Wine: Enhance your meal with a glass of crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the flavors of the dish beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 453kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
