Skinny Mediterranean Pasta Recipes

MEDITERRANEAN PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon salt. Cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
• While the water boils and pasta cooks, prep your vegetables and remaining ingredients: mince the garlic; halve the cherry tomatoes; drain and roughly chop the artichokes; drain and slice the olives in half. Once the vegetables start cooking, the recipe goes quickly, so you want to be ready.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the tomatoes, garlic, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes begin to break down and release some juices into the oil, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Add the pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add the artichokes and olives. Drizzle the lemon juice over the pasta. Continue tossing and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until warmed through. If the pasta seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as desired. Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley. Toss once more and enjoy.

MEDITERRANEAN PASTA WITH FETA AND OLIVES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it generously and cook the pasta al dente according to the instructions on the package. Reserve 1-2 cups of starchy pasta water before draining.
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pan and saute the red onion for 2-3 minutes over medium heat.
• When the onion has softened a bit, stir in the garlic and continue to cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil and red chilli flakes, then add the chopped tomatoes.
• Allow the sauce to simmer for a minute, then stir in the fresh parsley, Kalamata olives and artichokes.
• Add a dash of pasta water if the sauce looks too thick, and then stir in the feta cheese. Add the cooked linguine to the pan and toss gently until they're well covered in sauce.
• Sprinkle the fresh basil on top, season with freshly ground black pepper, divide into bowls and serve immediately.

MEDITERRANEAN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente; drain, then rinse with cold water to cool.
• Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette: Whisk the vinegar, mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in enough of the oil to make a smooth dressing; season with salt and pepper.
• Combine the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, onion, pepperoncini, olives and oregano in a bowl. Add the cooked pasta, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Add the vinaigrette and both cheeses and toss. Chill until ready to serve.

EASY MEDITERRANEAN PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and return the water to a boil. Stir the olive oil and garlic into the pasta and water; continue cooking until cooked through yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes; drain. Reduce the heat to medium-low and return the pasta to the pot.
• Stir the tomatoes, bell pepper, fava beans, onion, and lemon juice into the pasta; simmer together until hot and the flavors have melded, 7 to 8 minutes. Top with halloumi cheese and sliced almonds to serve.

SKINNY GARLIC SHRIMP PASTA

Steps:

• In 5-quart saucepan or Dutch oven, cook pasta as directed on package. Drain; return to saucepan. Stir in spinach, tomatoes and 2 teaspoons of the oil. Cover to keep warm.
• While pasta is cooking, in 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir 1 minute. Add shrimp, garlic and pepper flakes; cook and stir 2 minutes.
• Stir in wine, broth, salt and pepper; cook 2 minutes or until shrimp are pink and firm. Remove from heat; stir in parsley and butter until butter is melted. Add shrimp mixture to pasta mixture in saucepan; toss to mix.