Coastal Dreams Brought to Life: Mediterranean Bliss Pasta Recipe

Tantalizing aromas of herbs and olive oil weave through this Mediterranean bliss pasta recipe that captures the essence of sun-drenched coastal kitchens.

Vibrant ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that transport you straight to the Mediterranean shoreline.

Fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and golden olive oil form the heart of this irresistible dish.

Each twirl of pasta promises a burst of authentic Mediterranean spirit.

The recipe blends simplicity with rich, robust flavors that sing of southern European cuisine.

Simple yet sophisticated, this pasta promises to elevate your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the pure joy of Mediterranean cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 319 kcal

Servings: 5

Mediterranean Pasta: Ingredient Guide

• Pasta: Delivers hearty foundation with classic Mediterranean twist, choose whole wheat for extra nutrition and robust texture.

• Grape Tomatoes, Spinach: Burst with vibrant color and fresh garden flavors, select ripe, firm tomatoes and crisp green spinach leaves for maximum taste.
• Garlic: Adds intense aromatic depth, pick firm, plump cloves without green sprouts for best flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Provides silky smoothness and authentic Mediterranean essence, opt for extra virgin cold-pressed variety for richest flavor.
• Feta Cheese: Introduces tangy, creamy complexity, select premium quality Greek feta for authentic taste experience.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens entire dish with zesty freshness, use freshly squeezed for vibrant citrus notes.
• Salt, Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Elevate dish's flavor complexity, choose high-quality dried herbs and spices for balanced Mediterranean character.

Equipment Needed for Mediterranean Pasta

• Large pot: For boiling pasta with plenty of water.
• Colander: To drain cooked pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Large high-sided skillet: Perfect for cooking vegetables and mixing ingredients.
• Cutting board: For halving grape tomatoes and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: To mince garlic and chop vegetables with precision.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring spoons: To accurately measure salt, paprika, and seasonings.
• Measuring cup: For precise olive oil and lemon juice amounts.

Pasta Prep for Mediterranean Flavor

• Mediterranean Harmony

A delightful culinary journey that brings together vibrant flavors of sun-drenched coastal regions, blending fresh ingredients into a simple yet elegant meal.

• Tomato Transformation

Sizzle halved grape tomatoes with aromatic garlic in a generous splash of olive oil, allowing them to soften and release their natural sweetness while creating a luscious base for the dish.

• Leafy Green Magic

Gently fold fresh spinach into the warm skillet, watching it gracefully wilt and integrate with the tomato mixture, then sprinkle crumbled feta for a creamy, tangy touch.

• Pasta Finale

Introduce perfectly cooked pasta into the vegetable medley, splashing with bright lemon juice and giving everything a quick, gentle toss to marry all the Mediterranean flavors. A final drizzle of olive oil adds a luxurious finish that elevates the entire experience.

Tips and Ideas for Mediterranean Pasta

• Swap spinach with arugula or kale for a peppery twist and extra nutrients.
• Toss in grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or crispy chickpeas to make the dish more filling and satisfying.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce for those who love a spicy kick to their Mediterranean-style pasta.
• Prepare the vegetable base and pasta separately, then combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

Serving Mediterranean Pasta Gracefully

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice a rustic baguette or artisan bread to soak up the delicious tomato and feta sauce, adding extra texture and flavor to your meal.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top to brighten the dish with a pop of color and aromatic freshness.
• Create a Complete Meal: Serve alongside a light Greek salad or grilled chicken for a more substantial and protein-packed dinner experience.
• Wine Complementation: Pour a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the Mediterranean flavors and complement the tangy feta and bright lemon notes.

Storage for Mediterranean Pasta Meals

• Maximize Meal Prep: Slice and dice ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking process.
• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days, keeping pasta and vegetables separate to maintain texture.
• Revive Leftover Magic: Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to restore moisture and prevent pasta from becoming dry.
• Freeze Smart: Can be frozen for 2 weeks; thaw overnight in refrigerator and refresh with fresh herbs before serving to boost flavor profile.

Vibrant Mediterranean Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy Mediterranean Bliss Pasta combines zesty herbs, tangy feta, and sun-kissed vegetables in a luxurious sauce. Diners will savor complex Mediterranean flavors that dance across delicate pasta strands.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 10 oz (283 g) farfalle bow-tie pasta
• 6 oz (170 g) crumbled feta cheese
• 8 oz (227 g) grape tomatoes (2 colors: red and yellow), sliced in half
• 5 oz (142 g) fresh spinach, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Boil Pasta: Bring water to a vigorous boil in a large pot. Cook pasta according to package instructions until perfectly al dente, then drain while preserving a small quantity of cooking liquid.
2. Create Flavor Base: Heat a skillet over medium flame. Combine grape tomatoes, garlic, kosher salt, sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, and extra virgin olive oil, sautéing for 2 minutes to develop a robust aromatic foundation.
3. Integrate Greens: Fold baby spinach into the skillet, allowing leaves to wilt and soften rapidly, which will infuse the dish with vibrant color and nutritional depth.
4. Enhance with Cheese: Scatter crumbled feta across the vegetable mixture, permitting the cheese to slightly melt and distribute its characteristic tangy essence throughout the skillet.
5. Final Assembly: Introduce drained pasta into the vegetable medley, drizzling with fresh lemon juice. Toss ingredients thoroughly to ensure complete flavor integration, adding reserved cooking liquid or additional olive oil if the mixture appears dry. Briefly warm the entire composition to meld flavors, stirring consistently for approximately one minute before serving.

Notes

• Boil Pasta Perfectly: Use a large pot of salted water and cook until al dente for the ideal texture that absorbs sauce beautifully.
• Enhance Tomato Flavor: Sauté tomatoes briefly to release natural sweetness and create a vibrant, aromatic base for the dish.
• Balance Moisture Wisely: Keep reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed, ensuring a creamy and well-coated pasta.
• Elevate with Fresh Finishing: Add lemon juice and feta at the end to brighten flavors and create a fresh, tangy Mediterranean essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 319
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 267 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 22 mg