If you’re craving a dish that bursts with Mediterranean flair yet comes together in no time, the Pasta with Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil Recipe is your new go-to. This vibrant pasta combines the salty tang of olives, the sweet pop of cherry tomatoes, and the aromatic freshness of basil, all mingling with a luscious hit of garlic and Parmesan. It’s simple, comforting, and downright irresistible—a perfect way to brighten up any weeknight dinner or impress guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this pasta lies in its simplicity, where each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a symphony of flavors and textures. From the chewy pasta to the juicy tomatoes and earthy basil, everything works beautifully together.
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli): Choose shapes with ridges or curves to catch every bit of sauce and ingredients.
- 1 cup pitted green and black olives, halved: Adds that salty, briny kick that elevates the dish instantly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that warm, aromatic base that infuses the olive oil.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Provides a juicy burst of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: The rich, fruity oil helps marry all the flavors and adds silkiness.
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped: Bright and fragrant, it brings freshness and a lovely herbal note.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the pasta for a nutty, creamy finish that ties everything together.
How to Make Pasta with Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in generously salted water until it’s just tender but still has a slight bite—al dente is key here. This texture keeps the dish lively and prevents the pasta from getting mushy once you toss everything together. Don’t forget to set aside a little pasta water before draining; it will help you loosen the sauce and coat the pasta perfectly.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil
While the pasta cooks, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until it’s aromatic but not browned, about a minute. This process releases garlic’s natural oils and forms a flavorful base that infuses the whole dish with warmth.
Step 3: Add Olives and Cherry Tomatoes
Next, toss in the halved olives and cherry tomatoes. Let them cook gently until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step creates a lightly saucy, vibrant blend that makes every bite exciting.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Skillet Mixture
Drain the pasta and add it straight into the skillet with your olive and tomato mixture. Toss everything well, adding a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. This trick ensures every noodle is beautifully coated and glossy.
Step 5: Stir in Fresh Basil and Parmesan
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will gently wilt the basil and melt the cheese slightly, weaving in herbal brightness and creamy, savory depth.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Dish out your pasta right away, topping with extra Parmesan if you like. This fresh, colorful, and flavorful meal is best enjoyed warm, allowing all the ingredients to shine at their best.
How to Serve Pasta with Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil, a few torn basil leaves, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can heighten the dish’s aroma and flavor. A handful of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds also adds a wonderful crunch.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides such as a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a simple cucumber and feta salad. For something heartier, crusty rustic bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful olive oil and tomato juices left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in shallow bowls to highlight the colorful ingredients and encourage mixing at the table. For a charming dinner party touch, present individual portions in small ramekins topped with a little basil bouquet. Pair it with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled rosé for an effortlessly elegant meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If by any chance you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pasta will continue soaking in the flavors, making for a delicious next-day lunch, although it’s best fresh.
Freezing
Freezing this pasta isn’t highly recommended because fresh basil and tomatoes don’t always freeze well and can turn mushy upon thawing. If you must freeze, skip the basil and cheese, adding them fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to bring back the sauce’s silkiness without drying out the pasta. You can also microwave it covered, but stirring halfway ensures even heating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of olives?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or even stuffed olives. Each variety will lend a slightly different flavor, so choose the ones you enjoy the most.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Is it necessary to use fresh basil?
Fresh basil really amps up the flavor with its bright, fragrant notes, but if you don’t have it on hand, dried basil can work in a pinch. Just use less, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
What pasta shape works best?
Penne and fusilli are great because their shapes catch the sauce and bits of tomato and olive, but you can use spaghetti or linguine if that’s what you have. The key is that the pasta holds onto the flavorful sauce.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can turn this into a heartier meal. Just toss them in at the end to integrate flavors without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Pasta with Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil Recipe enough for all who love simple yet spectacular meals. It’s fresh, flavorful, and easy enough for any night, but vibrant enough to impress. Next time you want a fuss-free dish that really sings, give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making it over and over again!
Print
Pasta with Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A simple and flavorful pasta dish featuring al dente penne or fusilli tossed with a vibrant mixture of green and black olives, garlic, and juicy cherry tomatoes, finished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese for a perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 cup pitted green and black olives, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
Other
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook the pasta until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and save some of the cooking water for later use.
- Sauté garlic: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant, approximately 1 minute, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook olives and tomatoes: Add the halved olives and cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking until they soften and release their flavors, about 3-4 minutes.
- Toss pasta with vegetables: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together well. If the mixture seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
- Finish with basil and Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh chopped basil along with the grated Parmesan cheese until it begins to melt and coat the pasta.
- Serve immediately: Plate the pasta and, if desired, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor and richness.
Notes
- Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad and crusty bread.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature for picnic-style meals.
