Penne with Green Olives and Feta

Name: Penne with Green Olives and Feta
Yield: 0
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 /4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon lemon peel, finely grated; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 large bunch greens (such as spinach, mustard greens, kale, or broccoli rabe; approximately 1 pound), with thick stems removed, spinach left whole, other greens cut into 1-inch strips (approximately 10 cups packed; 12 ounces penne pasta; 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 1 /2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and coarsely chopped; 1 /2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (approximately 3 ounces)

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By AprilPublished Aug 7, 2023

Are you a pasta lover looking for a flavorful twist to your usual dishes?

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Servings: 0

Method

In a small bowl, combine parsley, lemon peel, and garlic. Set aside.
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil.
Add the greens to the boiling water and cook until they are tender. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of greens, ranging from 1 to 6 minutes.
Using a skimmer or a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked greens to a colander to drain.
Bring the water in the pot back to a boil.
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until it is tender but still firm to the bite. Stir occasionally.
Drain the pasta, reserving 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking liquid.
Return the cooked pasta to the pot and add the greens and 3 tablespoons of oil. Toss everything together.
Stir in the olives, feta cheese, and enough of the reserved pasta cooking liquid (adding it by 1/4 cupfuls) to moisten the dish.
Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer the pasta and greens mixture to a serving bowl.
Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil over the dish.
Sprinkle the parsley mixture over the top.
Serve and enjoy.

About this recipe

Are you a pasta lover looking for a flavorful twist to your usual dishes? Look no further! In this article, we'll explore the delightful combination of penne pasta, green olives, and feta cheese. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this savory and satisfying dish!

The Perfect Marriage of Flavors

Penne pasta, with its smooth and tubular shape, is the ideal canvas for capturing and holding onto all the delicious flavors of a dish. When combined with the briny and tangy taste of green olives, and the creamy and salty notes of feta cheese, you have a match made in culinary heaven!

A Burst of Brininess

Green olives add a burst of brininess to the dish, elevating the overall flavor profile. Their unique taste adds complexity and depth, making every bite a delightful adventure for your taste buds. Just like a pinch of salt can transform a dish, green olives have the power to take your penne pasta to the next level!

Creamy and Salty Goodness

Feta cheese, with its crumbly texture and tangy flavor, brings a creamy and salty goodness to the dish. As it melts into the warm penne pasta, it creates a rich and indulgent sauce that coats each noodle, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite. It's like a warm hug for your taste buds!

Simple Steps to Culinary Bliss

Creating this mouthwatering dish is easier than you think! Boil your penne pasta until al dente, then toss it with a generous handful of pitted green olives and crumbled feta cheese. The heat from the pasta will help melt the feta cheese, creating a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta. Finish it off with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Voila! A simple yet satisfying meal that will leave you craving for more!

In Conclusion

Penne with Green Olives and Feta is a dish that combines the best of both worlds - the brininess of green olives and the creaminess of feta cheese. Its simplicity allows the flavors to shine, making it a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family. So, why not give this recipe a try and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds begging for more?

Frequently asked questions

Can I use other types of pasta for this dish?: Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully with this recipe, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like fusilli or rigatoni. The key is to choose a shape that can hold the sauce and ingredients well.
Are there any alternatives to green olives?: If you're not a fan of green olives, you can try using Kalamata olives or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist. The goal is to add a burst of flavor and texture to the dish.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?: Absolutely! While feta cheese complements the flavors of this dish, you can substitute it with other types of cheese like goat cheese or even grated Parmesan. Each cheese will bring its unique taste to the dish.
Can I make this dish in advance?: While it's best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can make it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, keep in mind that the pasta might soak up some of the sauce, so you may need to add a little extra olive oil or a splash of water when reheating.
Can I add other ingredients to this dish?: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or even roasted red peppers. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility, so let your imagination run wild!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?: Absolutely! This dish is vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for those who follow a vegetarian diet or simply want to enjoy a meatless meal.
How long does it take to make this dish?: This dish comes together quickly, taking approximately 15-20 minutes from start to finish. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal in a hurry!
Can I make a larger batch of this dish?: Absolutely! This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd. Just adjust the quantities accordingly and enjoy this flavorful dish with your loved ones!