Onepan Mediterranean Lemon Herb Pasta
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a taste of the Mediterranean? Remember that holiday in Greece? Well, let's bring those sunshine flavors home. This mediterranean pasta recipes dish is like a holiday on a plate! It's bursting with fresh, zesty goodness.
Think tomatoes, herbs, and lemon. Yum!
Quick Mediterranean Flavours
Ever wondered what makes a mediterranean pasta recipes so special? This one-pan wonder is packed with bright lemon and fresh herbs.
It's a quick, easy Mediterranean pasta dinner you'll want to make again and again. Seriously tasty stuff.
A Taste of the Med in Your Kitchen
This recipe is inspired by the vibrant cuisine of the Mediterranean. It's proper simple, ready in under 40 minutes! It comfortably feeds 4 people.
Perfect for a quick family meal. Or even a cheeky one pan pasta recipes Mediterranean for one!
Benefits That'll Make You Smile
Honestly, this isn't just delicious; it's actually good for you! Packed with fresh veggies, it's a champion of the mediterranean food recipes healthy .
This lemon pasta recipe Mediterranean screams summer. Serve it up for a casual dinner party. Or a chill night in, it's your call.
Simple ingredients and it's all about fresh
Right then, let's have a gander at what we need. You'll need pasta, of course! Penne or fusilli work a treat.
Olive oil, garlic, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, basil, parsley, lemon juice, vegetable broth, parmesan. And then salt and pepper is for taste.
Red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick, if you fancy.
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Mediterranean Pasta Masterpiece
Right, let’s get down to the nitty gritty! For banging mediterranean pasta recipes , you need the good stuff. It's all about quality, innit?
Main Ingredients You'll Need
- Pasta: 1 pound (450g) of penne, rotini, or fusilli. Go for a decent brand; it makes a difference.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Extra virgin, obviously. Don’t be tight with it!
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best, avoid those jars.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (500g) , halved. The riper, the sweeter.
- Artichoke Hearts: 1 (14-ounce/400g) can, quartered and drained. Make sure they're not swimming in oil.
- Kalamata Olives: 1/2 cup (75g) , pitted and halved. These add a salty tang.
- Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup (15g) , chopped. Smells amazing, doesn't it?
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (15g) , chopped. Adds a bit of freshness.
- Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup (60ml) , freshly squeezed. The bottled stuff is rubbish!
- Vegetable Broth: 1/4 cup (60ml) , or water. Use broth for extra flavour!
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (25g) , grated, plus more for serving. Proper Parmesan, not that pre-grated dust.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key!
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, if you fancy a bit of heat.
Seasoning Notes
Honestly, the spice combo is simple but effective. Garlic, salt, pepper, and that touch of red pepper flakes it's a classic.
The fresh herbs are essential. Basil and parsley bring a real Mediterranean vibe. Don't skip them!. If you're short on lemon, a splash of white wine vinegar can do in a pinch.
The secret weapon? A tiny pinch of sugar can lift all the other flavors. Just a tiny pinch though!
Essential Equipment
You don’t need a fancy kitchen to nail this. Just the basics will do for simple summer recipes dinner .
- Large, deep skillet: Or a sauté pan with a lid. One-pan mediterranean pasta recipes are great for an easy Mediterranean pasta dinner .
- Cutting Board: A proper one!
- Chef's Knife: Sharp, please!
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Get the measurements right!
- Cheese Grater: For that proper Parmesan.
You could use a regular saucepan, but the skillet helps the sauce reduce nicely.
Enjoy this delightful foray into mediterranean food recipes healthy ! You're one step closer to creating those amazing Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Recipes and savoring fresh Mediterranean Salad Ideas , not to mention exploring vegetarian Mediterranean pasta options! Next up, how to cook everything!.
One-Pan Mediterranean Lemon Herb Pasta
Oh my gosh, you need this recipe in your life. Seriously. It's my go-to for those nights when I can't be bothered with a ton of washing up.
This mediterranean pasta recipes ticks all the boxes: it’s easy, healthy(ish), and packed with flavour. Think sunshine on a plate!
Prep Steps for Success: Your Mise en Place
First, let's get organized. That’s what they call "mise en place" innit. Chop 2 cloves of garlic and halve 1 pint (500g) of cherry tomatoes .
Quarter 1 (14-ounce/400g) can of artichoke hearts , and halve 1/2 cup (75g) of Kalamata olives . Chop 1/4 cup (15g) each of fresh basil and parsley .
Squeeze 1/4 cup (60ml) of lemon juice . Grab your Parmesan, and you are set. This is what a perfect simple summer recipes dinner looks like!
Easy Peasy step-by-step
- Heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic (and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling brave!) for 30 seconds until fragrant. Watch it carefully! Burnt garlic is the worst.
- Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and Kalamata olives. Cook for 5 minutes , until the tomatoes soften a bit.
- Pour in 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice , 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable broth (or water) , and 1 pound (450g) uncooked pasta . Season with salt and pepper. This is one of those one pan pasta recipes mediterranean that will save you a lot of headaches later!
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15- 20 minutes . Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check the pasta! It should be al dente and most of the liquid absorbed. If not, give it another minute or two.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil, parsley, and 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese .
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pasta
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Start checking for doneness at 15 minutes . Mushy pasta is a crime.
- Fresh herbs are non-negotiable. They make such a difference.
- If you are looking to add some Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Recipes , grill the chicken ahead of time and add it to the skillet at the end for a heartier meal, ideal for healthy weeknight pasta recipes .
Honestly, this dish is a lifesaver. Plus, it's easily adaptable. Throw in some spinach for extra greens or some grilled shrimp for a protein boost.
The possibilities are endless! This quick dinner idea pasta is destined to become one of your favorite mediterranean food recipes healthy meals.
Enjoy!
Recipe Notes: My Mediterranean Musings
Alright, let's talk about this One-Pan Mediterranean Lemon Herb Pasta . It's more than just a meal. It's a little bit of sunshine. It's honestly, dead easy.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Forget fancy plating. I like to chuck it in a bowl and go for it. If you're feeling fancy, twist the pasta into a little mound.
Top with extra Parmesan. Maybe add a sprig of basil. Think rustic, not restaurant. This dish screams for a side of crusty bread.
Perfect for soaking up that delicious lemon herb sauce. A simple Mediterranean Salad Ideas also complements it. A glass of crisp white wine makes it a real treat!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Leftovers? Lucky you. Pop it in an airtight container. Stash it in the fridge. It'll happily sit there for up to 3 days .
Reheat in the microwave. Or even better, gently warm it in a pan on the hob with a splash of water.
Keeps it moist. Freezing isn't ideal. The pasta can get a bit mushy. But hey, desperate times, right? If you're gonna freeze it, make sure it's completely cool first.
Variations: Switch it Up
Fancy a protein boost? Grilled chicken or shrimp works a treat! For a Vegetarian Mediterranean pasta version, add white beans.
They are healthy and delicious. Want more veggies? Zucchini or bell peppers are great additions. For dietary swaps, use gluten-free pasta.
Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan version. This Simple Summer Recipes Dinner can easily adapt to whatever you have on hand.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This pasta is packed with Mediterranean goodness. Tomatoes and olives are great for you. Olive oil is a healthy fat.
Each serving is roughly 450 calories. It’s also a source of protein and fiber. Remember, it's just an estimate. The exact numbers depend on ingredients.
If you are a fan of mediterranean food recipes healthy you are going to love this.
So there you have it. Mediterranean pasta recipes made easy. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Have a bit of fun, and get that Easy Mediterranean pasta dinner on your plate! I can’t wait to hear how your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Recipes turns out, and if you are looking for Quick Dinner Ideas Pasta look no further!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best type of pasta to use for these mediterranean pasta recipes?
For this One-Pan Mediterranean Lemon Herb Pasta, shorter pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli work best. These shapes hold the sauce nicely and are easy to eat with the other ingredients. However, feel free to experiment! Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may require adjustments.
Can I make this mediterranean pasta recipe ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep some of the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the vegetables, measure out the herbs, and have the lemon juice ready to go. Then, when you're ready to cook, it's just a matter of throwing everything into the pan.
Keep in mind that the pasta will absorb more liquid if stored, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
I'm not a big fan of olives. Can I leave them out of this mediterranean pasta recipe?
Absolutely! If you're not keen on olives, feel free to omit them. They do add a salty, briny flavor, but the dish will still be delicious without them. You could try adding a pinch of sea salt to compensate for the lost saltiness.
Another option is to substitute with sun-dried tomatoes for a concentrated burst of Mediterranean flavor.
How do I store leftover Mediterranean Lemon Herb Pasta?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might need to add a tablespoon or two of water or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works fine, or you can gently reheat it in a pan on the stovetop. This pasta is almost as good the next day!
Is this One-Pan Mediterranean Lemon Herb Pasta healthy?
Yes, this recipe is a relatively healthy option! It's packed with vegetables, herbs, and uses olive oil. For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat pasta, reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese, or add some extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Remember to check the sodium content of your olives and adjust accordingly if you are watching your salt intake.
What other protein options can I add to this?
This pasta dish is great for adding some protein! Grilled chicken or shrimp would be fantastic choices, adding to that Mediterranean feel. Alternatively, white beans like cannellini or chickpeas provide a plant based protein boost and blend in beautifully with the other ingredients.
Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking to warm through.
Onepan Mediterranean Lemon Herb Pasta
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |
