Indulge in the Mediterranean flavors with this Garlicky Greek Spaghetti recipe. Fresh and vibrant ingredients come together to create a dish that's both simple and full of character.
Photos of Garlicky Greek Spaghetti Recipe
When heading to the supermarket, keep an eye out for kalamata olives and capers. These might not be staples in every pantry but add a distinctive taste. Fresh basil and feta cheese can also elevate the dish but may require a specific search.
Ingredients for Garlicky Greek Spaghetti
spaghetti: A long, thin pasta that forms the base of the dish.
extra virgin olive oil: A rich, fruity oil that adds depth and smoothness.
garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.
roma tomatoes: Sweet and tangy tomatoes that provide moisture and freshness.
black olives: Mild and slightly salty, they add a subtle briny flavor.
kalamata olives: Dark purple, these olives are rich and slightly bitter.
feta cheese: A crumbly, tangy cheese that adds creaminess and saltiness.
capers: Small, pickled flower buds that offer a burst of tartness.
parsley: Fresh, bright herb that adds a pop of color and mild flavor.
basil: Sweet and aromatic, it adds a finishing touch of freshness.
One reader, Candida Wick says:
This garlicky Greek spaghetti recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors! The fresh garlic and olive oil blend perfectly with the tangy feta and briny olives. It's a simple yet vibrant dish that's sure to impress. Highly recommend for a quick, delicious meal!
Key Techniques for Mastering Garlicky Greek Spaghetti
How to cook spaghetti: Boil salted water in a large pot, add the dry spaghetti, and cook according to the package directions until al dente. How to heat olive oil: Pour olive oil into a small skillet or saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. How to sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to the heated olive oil and sauté for about 1 minute until just lightly golden. How to drain pasta: Use a colander to drain the cooked spaghetti, ensuring all water is removed. How to toss ingredients: Combine the cooked spaghetti, olive oil and garlic mixture, tomatoes, olives, feta, capers, parsley, and basil in a large bowl, and toss to evenly coat while seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Garlicky Greek Spaghetti
Garlic, olives, feta, and tomatoes give this Greek spaghetti its classic flavor. It’s also a quick and easy dish that you can have ready in just 20 minutes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12ozdry spaghetti
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 6tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 1½tbspfresh garlic,minced, (about 4 cloves)
- 1½lbsroma tomatoes,seeded and cut into ½ inch pieces
- ½cupblack olives,sliced
- ¼cupkalamata olives,sliced
- 5ozfeta cheese,crumbled
- 3tbspcapers,drained
- ¼cupfresh parsley,finely minced
- ¼cupfresh basil ribbons,chopped
Instructions
-
Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water according to directions on package. When pasta is nearly finished heat olive oil in a small skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and saute for about 1 minute until just lightly golden.
-
Drain pasta and pour into a large serving bowl or mixing bowl. Pour olive oil and garlic mixture over pasta.
-
Add in tomatoes, black olives, kalamata olives, feta, capers and parsley then toss to evenly coat while seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Toss in basil and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 438.84kcal
- Fat: 21.50g
- Saturated Fat: 5.85g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12.42g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.16g
- Carbohydrates: 50.31g
- Fiber: 4.17g
- Sugar: 5.53g
- Protein: 12.30g
- Cholesterol: 21.03mg
- Sodium: 545.67mg
- Calcium: 168.59mg
- Potassium: 447.71mg
- Iron: 2.19mg
- Vitamin A: 94.17µg
- Vitamin C: 20.04mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Garlicky Greek Spaghetti
When sautéing the garlic in olive oil, make sure to keep the heat at medium-low to avoid burning. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish, so it's crucial to cook it just until it's lightly golden.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop garlic, tomatoes, and olives in advance to save time during cooking.
Use pre-crumbled feta: Opt for pre-crumbled feta cheese to avoid the extra step of crumbling it yourself.
Cook pasta efficiently: Start boiling water for spaghetti while prepping other ingredients to streamline the process.
Minimize dishwashing: Use the same bowl for mixing and serving to cut down on cleanup time.
Buy pre-sliced olives: Purchase pre-sliced black olives and kalamata olives to eliminate slicing time.
Substitute Ingredients For Garlicky Greek Spaghetti Recipe
dry spaghetti - Substitute with whole wheat spaghetti: Whole wheat spaghetti offers more fiber and nutrients compared to regular dry spaghetti.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a high smoke point, making it a good alternative for cooking.
fresh garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar garlicky flavor, though it is less pungent than fresh garlic.
roma tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are sweeter and can add a burst of flavor and color to the dish.
black olives - Substitute with green olives: Green olives have a slightly different flavor but can still provide the briny taste needed in the recipe.
kalamata olives - Substitute with nicoise olives: Nicoise olives have a similar briny and tangy flavor profile, making them a good substitute.
feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a similar tangy and creamy texture, which can mimic the flavor of feta.
capers - Substitute with green peppercorns: Green peppercorns can provide a similar briny and tangy flavor, though they are slightly less salty.
fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh and vibrant flavor, though it has a slightly different taste profile compared to parsley.
fresh basil ribbons - Substitute with fresh mint: Fresh mint can provide a refreshing and aromatic flavor, though it is more minty compared to basil.
Presentation Tips for Garlicky Greek Spaghetti
Use high-quality ingredients: Ensure that the spaghetti is cooked to a perfect al dente texture and that the extra virgin olive oil is of the highest quality to enhance the flavor profile.
Create a vibrant color palette: Arrange the roma tomatoes, black olives, and kalamata olives in a visually appealing manner, ensuring a balance of colors on the plate.
Crumble the feta cheese artistically: Instead of simply tossing the feta cheese in, crumble it over the top of the dish in a way that adds texture and visual interest.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Finely chop the fresh parsley and scatter it over the dish. Add the fresh basil ribbons last to maintain their vibrant green color and fresh flavor.
Use a shallow, wide bowl: Plate the spaghetti in a shallow, wide bowl to allow the ingredients to be displayed prominently and to make it easier to mix and eat.
Drizzle with olive oil: Finish the dish with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to add a glossy finish and enhance the flavors.
Season thoughtfully: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper just before serving to ensure the flavors are bright and well-balanced.
Add a touch of luxury: For an extra touch, consider adding a few capers on top for a burst of briny flavor and a touch of sophistication.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Greek Spaghetti
Large pot: Used to cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water.
Small skillet: Used to heat the olive oil and sauté the garlic.
Saucepan: An alternative to the small skillet for heating the olive oil and sautéing the garlic.
Colander: Used to drain the cooked spaghetti.
Large serving bowl: Used to mix the drained pasta with the olive oil, garlic, and other ingredients.
Mixing bowl: An alternative to the large serving bowl for combining all the ingredients.
Wooden spoon: Used to toss and mix the pasta with the other ingredients.
Chef's knife: Used to chop the garlic, tomatoes, olives, parsley, and basil.
Cutting board: Used as a surface for chopping the ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, garlic, and capers.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the olives, feta cheese, parsley, and basil.
Pepper mill: Used to freshly grind black pepper for seasoning.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Garlicky Greek Spaghetti
- To store leftover garlicky greek spaghetti, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to the pasta to help revive its texture and prevent it from drying out. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
- Freezing this dish is not recommended, as the tomatoes and feta cheese may lose their texture and become watery upon thawing. The pasta may also become mushy and lose its al dente texture.
- If you must freeze the garlicky greek spaghetti, do so within 24 hours of cooking. Transfer the cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat frozen garlicky greek spaghetti, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a small amount of water or olive oil to help restore its texture. The dish may not be as fresh-tasting as when it was first prepared, but it will still be safe to eat.
How to Reheat Leftover Garlicky Greek Spaghetti
Stovetop method: place the leftover spaghetti in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a pat of butter to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Stir gently and continuously until the spaghetti is heated through, about 5-7 minutes. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of pasta water or chicken broth to help loosen it up and create a silky sauce.
Microwave method: place the leftover spaghetti in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent the pasta from drying out. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel or microwave-safe lid. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the spaghetti is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the pasta to become rubbery.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover spaghetti in an oven-safe dish and add a splash of olive oil or a pat of butter. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the spaghetti is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to allow any excess moisture to evaporate and create a slightly crispy top.
Cold pasta salad: if you prefer a cold dish, consider transforming your leftover garlicky greek spaghetti into a refreshing pasta salad. Simply toss the cold spaghetti with additional chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of greek dressing. This method works best if the leftover spaghetti has been stored in the refrigerator and has had time to cool completely.
Interesting Trivia About Garlicky Greek Spaghetti
This garlicky Greek spaghetti recipe combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with ingredients like feta cheese, kalamata olives, and capers. The use of extra virgin olive oil and fresh garlic enhances the dish, making it both aromatic and flavorful.
Budget-Friendly: Is Garlicky Greek Spaghetti Cost-Effective?
This garlicky Greek spaghetti recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like dry spaghetti, roma tomatoes, and extra virgin olive oil are affordable and commonly found in most kitchens. Specialty items like feta cheese, kalamata olives, and capers might be pricier but are used in small quantities. For a household of 4, the approximate cost would be around $15-$20 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Greek Spaghetti Recipe Healthy?
The garlicky Greek spaghetti recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that incorporates some healthy ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and herbs. However, it also contains some elements that may not be considered particularly healthy, especially when consumed in large quantities or on a regular basis.
On the positive side, the recipe includes:
- Tomatoes, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like lycopene
- Garlic, known for its potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation
- Olive oil, a healthy source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants
- Fresh herbs like parsley and basil, which provide additional vitamins and minerals
However, the recipe also contains:
- A considerable amount of feta cheese, which is high in saturated fat and sodium
- Olives and capers, which are high in sodium
- Spaghetti, a refined carbohydrate that may cause blood sugar spikes and provide fewer nutrients compared to whole-grain alternatives
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use whole-grain or legume-based pasta instead of regular spaghetti to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of feta cheese or opt for a lower-fat alternative, such as reduced-fat feta or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish by adding more tomatoes, or include other nutrient-dense options like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini
- Use olives and capers in moderation to keep sodium levels in check
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor without relying heavily on salt
Editor's Opinion on Garlicky Greek Spaghetti
This garlicky Greek spaghetti recipe is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean flavors. The combination of fresh garlic, juicy roma tomatoes, and a mix of black and kalamata olives creates a robust and savory base. The addition of feta cheese and capers introduces a tangy and salty dimension, while the fresh parsley and basil ribbons add a vibrant, herbaceous finish. The simplicity of the preparation allows the high-quality ingredients to shine, making it a perfect dish for both casual dinners and elegant gatherings. Overall, it's a well-balanced, flavorful, and visually appealing pasta dish.
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Why trust this Garlicky Greek Spaghetti Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich flavors of extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, and roma tomatoes to create a delightful dish. The addition of black olives, kalamata olives, and feta cheese provides a perfect balance of savory and tangy notes. Capers and fresh herbs like parsley and basil elevate the dish, making it a true Mediterranean delight. Trust this recipe for its simplicity and the harmonious blend of ingredients that promise a satisfying meal.
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