| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 487 | 23g | 6g | 61g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 5g | 12g | 1.2g |
I must tell y’all about my newest fondness in the kitchen: the Mediterranean Pasta with Stone Parsley. This dish is like the a – ha! moment on a dreary day, combining the comfort of pasta with the freshness of fruits, herbs, and a whirlwind of intense flavors all wrapped up in one delightful dish. And though my roots are firmly planted in the delicious simplicity of Southern flavours, I pride myself on my ability to weave global cuisines into my cooking repertoire.
A Dance of Familiar and Fresh
This recipe, Mediterranean Pasta with Stone Parsley, is something of an exciting surprise. It has the warmth of home familiarity with its pasta base, a food staple that I grew up with and is deeply rooted in my Southern upbringing. Then, there’s an infusion of fresh flavors – the sharpness of the olives, the tang from the lemon, and the subtle zing of stone parsley, a herb traditionally grown in Mediterranean regions. It hails from a place where sun-soaked vineyards give way to fresh, vibrant flavours. And this dish? It makes me feel like I’m taking a little culinary journey to the Mediterranean every time I make it.
Southern Twist to a Mediterranean Favourite
While pasta is an integral part of Italian cuisine, it’s also become a staple in American households and, yes, even here in South Carolina. So, you see a little bit of my Southern home in this dish. And the wonderful thing about this plate? It partners well with some of my other favorite recipes, like a fresh seafood salad or a comforting bowl of my favorite shrimp and grits. Similar yet different, this fusion creates a delightfully unexpected symphony of flavors.
Benefits Beyond the Palate
And on top of being a crowd-pleaser, this Mediterranean Pasta with Stone Parsley is a healthy dish too. From the heart-healthy olive oil to the potent antioxidants found in cherry tomatoes, every ingredient in this dish is an amazing source of beneficial nutrients. Stone Parsley as a herb, enhances the taste not only but is rich in iron, Vitamins A, K, and C which contribute to overall health and wellbeing.
What You’ll Need
<ul> <li>2 tablespoons olive oil</li> <li>2 garlic cloves, minced</li> <li>1 cup chopped fresh stone parsley</li> <li>1 lemon, zested and juiced</li> <li>1 cup green olives, pitted</li> <li>1 cup black olives, pitted</li> <li>2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved</li> <li>1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled</li> <li>1 tablespoon dried oregano</li> <li>Salt and black pepper to taste</li> <li>3 cups penne pasta</li> <li>1 cup pasta water, reserved after cooking</li> </li>
Method
<h3>Step One</h3>
<p>In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set both the pasta and the water aside.</p>
<h3>Step Two</h3>
<p>In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is heated, add the minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant.</p>
<h3>Step Three</h3>
<p>Add the chopped stone parsley and sauté for a few more minutes, until the parsley is wilted.</p>
<h3>Step Four</h3>
<p>Next, stir in the lemon zest and juice, olives, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and dried oregano. Season with salt and black pepper.</p>
<h3>Step Five</h3>
<p>Let the tomato and olive mixture cook for a while, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften.</p>
<h3>Step Six</h3>
<p>Add the drained penne pasta into the skillet with the tomato and olive mixture. Toss everything together to combine, gradually adding the reserved pasta water. The pasta water will help create a sauce and bind all the ingredients together. Adjust the seasoning if needed.</p>
<h3>Step Seven</h3>
<p>Serve the Mediterranean Pasta with Stone Parsley warm, garnished with extra feta cheese and stone parsley if desired. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful dish!</p>
