Spaghetti with fresh tomato and olives
This is a super quick, 15 minute pasta dish that any cook – experienced or not can whip up! And that’s a promise. If you want to see a video of it being made be sure to check out my reel on Instagram. You’ll find it there.
Spaghetti with fresh tomato and olives
Ingredients
- 1 zucchini finely grated
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 fresh basil
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup semi dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons cold pressed olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 birdseye chili
Method
- Crush garlic and saute in large skillet with olive oil until starting to brown.
- Add grated zucchini and cook for about 4 minutes or until it wilts down.
- Add cherry tomatoes (cut in half), olives, semi-dried tomatoes, salt, fresh basil and chili and let cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add another tablespoon of olive oil and let cook another 2 – 4 minutes.
- Boil spaghetti until al dente then strain and mix through sauce in the skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired you to share this quick and easy pasta recipe, and why do you consider it suitable for both experienced and inexperienced cooks?
This pasta recipe is perfect for busy individuals and both experienced and inexperienced cooks because it's incredibly quick, taking just 15 minutes to prepare. I wanted to share a delicious and accessible meal that anyone can whip up, regardless of their cooking experience.
Can you provide some tips for achieving the perfect al dente texture when boiling spaghetti, and why is this important for the overall dish?
Achieving the perfect al dente texture for spaghetti involves cooking it until it's tender yet still has a slight firmness to the bite. To do this, follow the instructions on the pasta packaging for cooking times. It's important to cook it al dente because it pairs wonderfully with the fresh ingredients in the sauce, providing a pleasing textural contrast.
What's the significance of using both fresh cherry tomatoes and semi-dried tomatoes in this dish, and how do they contribute to the overall flavour profile?
Using fresh cherry tomatoes adds a burst of juicy, vibrant flavour to the dish, while semi-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated, slightly sweet and intense tomato taste. The combination of these two tomato types creates a dynamic and balanced flavour profile that enhances the overall taste of the pasta.
Could you suggest alternative pasta types that can be used in this recipe if someone prefers a different pasta shape or style?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully in this recipe, you can choose other pasta types based on your preference. Options like linguine, fettuccine, or even penne can be used to create a similar dish. Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes to suit your taste.
Can you provide some guidance on adjusting the level of spiciness in the dish when using a fresh Birdseye chili, especially for those who have varying spice tolerances?
Adjusting the level of spiciness is easy with a fresh Birdseye chili. For a milder flavour, you can deseed the chili, removing the seeds and membranes where most of the heat resides. If you prefer more heat, include the seeds, or you can use more chili peppers to increase the spiciness to your liking.
What's the significance of using cold-pressed olive oil in this recipe, and can you recommend a particular type or brand that works well with the dish?
Cold-pressed olive oil is known for its pure and robust flavour, which can elevate the taste of the dish. While there are various brands to choose from, selecting a high-quality extra virgin olive oil will enhance the overall flavour. You can choose a brand that you trust or enjoy.
Is there a specific type of olives you recommend for this dish, or can individuals use their favorite variety of olives to suit their taste?
You can use your favorite variety of olives to suit your taste. However, in this recipe, pitted kalamata olives are mentioned, and they add a rich, briny flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients. Feel free to experiment with different olive varieties or stick with kalamata olives for a classic Mediterranean flavour.
