Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 yellow squash, sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
Cook Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Veggies:
Add zucchini, squash, bell pepper, and onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.
Add Tomatoes & Olives:
Stir in cherry tomatoes, olives, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Combine:
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.
Finish:
Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, feta cheese, and fresh parsley.
Serve:
Serve warm with extra feta or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
Cooking Tips
- Don’t overcook the veggies – keep them slightly crisp for the best texture.
- Salt your pasta water well to enhance flavor from the start.
- Use high-quality olive oil for that authentic Mediterranean taste.
- Add a splash of pasta water if the dish feels dry when mixing.
Variations
- Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Make it Vegan: Skip the feta or use a plant-based alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Whole Grain Option: Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for extra fiber and protein.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a spoonful of hummus or Greek yogurt for a creamy twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g