Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, glistening with golden olive oil, studded with savory olives, and kissed with fragrant garlic. This Easy Pasta with Olives isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary escape to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy, without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you're a busy professional, a hungry student, or simply someone who loves delicious food without complicated preparation, this dish will become your new go-to comfort meal that looks and tastes like it came straight from a Mediterranean restaurant.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta of choice
- 1 cup olives, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. The salt will enhance the flavor of the pasta as it cooks.
- Once the water is boiling, add 1 lb of your choice of pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up for about 1-2 minutes.
- Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to let it burn, as this can impart a bitter taste.
- Next, add 1 cup of sliced olives to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the garlic and olive oil. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the olives to warm through and infuse their flavor into the oil.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the olive mixture. Toss to combine, ensuring that the pasta is well coated with the olive oil and garlic.
- If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to incorporate the flavors.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the pasta immediately. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
- Enjoy your Easy Pasta with Olives as a delightful Italian dish, perfect for a quick meal!
Tips
- • Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within. • Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the most authentic flavor profile. • Don't overcook the garlic; it should be fragrant, not burnt. • Reserve some pasta water before draining—its starchy magic helps create a silky sauce. • Feel free to experiment with different olive varieties like Kalamata or green olives. • Grate your Parmesan fresh for maximum flavor and texture. • For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 586kcal
Carbohydrates: 87g
Protein: 17g
Fat: 78g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 20mg
