Quick Pasta Sauce With Black Olives
A quick and flavorful pasta sauce featuring black olives and tomatoes, perfect for a satisfying meal that pairs well with spaghetti or linguini, ideal for weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add chopped black olives to the pan and cook briefly.
- Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pan.
- Simmer the sauce slowly while cooking the pasta.
- Drain the cooked pasta.
- Cover the pasta with the sauce and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or oregano in place of dried spices. If you don't have black olives, green olives can work as a substitute, though they will change the flavor slightly. To enhance the sauce, a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add depth. This sauce is versatile; consider pairing it with Pasta With Fresh Tomatoes And Herbs for a summer twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. For a complete meal, add a side salad dressed with Italian Sweet-Sour Dressing. Garlic bread or a crunchy veggie sandwich also pairs well, making for a delightful Italian-inspired dinner. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Alternatively, it can be microwaved in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Pasta Sauce With Black Olives contains roughly 98 calories, with 3g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 523mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! For this recipe, about six medium tomatoes should yield a similar amount as a large can of crushed tomatoes. Just peel and chop them before adding to the pan. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require a bit longer to cook down into a sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Ensure that the pasta you use is also vegan, as some fresh pastas may contain eggs. This sauce is a great option for anyone looking for quick and easy vegan recipes.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
While any pasta can work, long shapes like spaghetti or linguine tend to pair well with this sauce since they catch the sauce nicely. Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli are also excellent choices, especially for baked dishes or pasta salads, providing a satisfying bite.
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).