Pasta And Olives
A flavorful pasta dish featuring olives, fresh herbs, and optional vegetables, perfect for a quick, versatile, and satisfying meal for any pasta lover.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic powder or minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in your choice of optional vegetables such as tomato, green pepper, broccoli, mushrooms, onions, and red pepper; cook until tender.
- Add halved black olives to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano to taste.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the olive and vegetable mixture, toss well, and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using a mix of fresh herbs like parsley and thyme along with the basil and oregano. If you want to add protein, grilled chicken or chickpeas can be great additions. For a twist, substitute black olives with Kalamata olives for a more robust taste. Always taste and adjust seasonings as you go.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat. It pairs beautifully with a side of Garlic Bread or a fresh Green Bean And Red Potato Salad for a complete meal. A crisp green salad would also complement the flavors well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to the skillet to keep the pasta from drying out. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta And Olives contains roughly 84 calories, with 2g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (52% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and calcium (31% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great substitute and adds extra fiber to the dish. Just be sure to monitor the cooking time as whole wheat pasta can cook a bit differently than traditional pasta.
What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
You can customize this dish with a variety of vegetables. Zucchini, spinach, or even roasted bell peppers work well. Feel free to get creative and use whatever you have on hand or what’s in season!
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan if you omit any cheese. The olives and vegetables provide plenty of flavor. For added protein, consider tossing in some chickpeas or using a vegan cheese substitute if desired.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).