Imagine a quick, elegant pasta dish that captures the vibrant essence of Mediterranean cuisine in just 30 minutes! "Dining with Doc Olive and Sundried Tomato" is not just a recipe, it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook, or a food enthusiast seeking a delightful meal, this recipe promises to elevate your dining experience with its rich, sun-kissed ingredients and effortless preparation.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup cooked pasta
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by finely chopping sundried tomatoes and slicing olives into thin rings.
- If pasta is not already cooked, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers slightly, indicating it's ready for cooking.
- Add chopped sundried tomatoes and sliced olives to the skillet, sautéing for 2-3 minutes to release their aromatic flavors.
- Introduce the cooked pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to coat with olive oil and distribute sundried tomatoes and olives evenly.
- Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste. If the pasta seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are heated through and well combined.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates, garnishing with additional chopped olives or herbs if desired.
Tips
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the most authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Choose sundried tomatoes packed in olive oil for extra richness and depth.
- For al dente pasta, always set a timer and taste-test 1-2 minutes before the package's recommended cooking time.
- Reserve pasta water before draining - its starchy nature helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients adhere better.
- For added complexity, consider toasting the olives and sundried tomatoes slightly longer to intensify their flavors.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or oregano as a final garnish to boost the Mediterranean profile.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use whole wheat pasta for added nutritional value.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
