Pin It Experience the bold and briny essence of the Mediterranean with this Olive Tapenade Pasta. This vibrant dish combines a savory, homemade chunky olive sauce with perfectly cooked al dente pasta for a meal that is both sophisticated and incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful plant-based option, this recipe delivers a punch of flavor in every bite.
Pin It The secret to this dish lies in the texture of the tapenade. By pulsing the ingredients instead of fully blending them, you create a chunky sauce that provides a delightful contrast to the smooth spaghetti. The addition of fresh lemon juice and parsley cuts through the richness of the olives and olive oil, ensuring a balanced and refreshing finish.
Ingredients
- Tapenade: 1 cup mixed pitted olives (Kalamata and green recommended), 2 tablespoons drained capers, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) dried spaghetti or linguine, 1 tablespoon salt for the water, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water.
- Garnish: Freshly chopped parsley, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan or a vegan alternative.
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Step 2
- Meanwhile, prepare the tapenade: In a food processor, combine olives, capers, garlic, parsley, and lemon juice. Pulse until coarsely chopped. With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil until a chunky paste forms. Season with black pepper.
- Step 3
- Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add the tapenade and toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
- Step 4
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, lemon zest, and Parmesan if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best results, always cook your pasta in a large pot of generously salted water. Reserving a bit of the starchy cooking water is the key to creating a silky sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly. If the sauce feels too thick, simply add a splash more of the reserved water until you reach your desired consistency.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tapenade during the pulsing stage. You can also experiment with different types of pasta, such as whole wheat or gluten-free varieties. For a non-vegan version with extra depth, consider stirring in a tablespoon of sun-dried tomatoes or a few chopped anchovies.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this pasta immediately while it is hot and fresh. Top each portion with a generous sprinkle of lemon zest and fresh parsley to highlight the Mediterranean notes. A dusting of grated Parmesan or a vegan cheese alternative adds a lovely richness, making it a perfect match for a chilled glass of white wine.
Pin It With its rich colors and bold flavors, this Olive Tapenade Pasta is a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients. It is a testament to how a few pantry essentials can be transformed into a stunning meal that feels special every time you serve it.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make the tapenade ahead of time?
Yes, the tapenade can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bring it to room temperature and toss with freshly cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- → What type of olives work best for tapenade?
A combination of Kalamata and green olives provides excellent flavor balance. Kalamata olives offer richness and depth, while green olives add brightness. You can use all of one variety if preferred, but the blend creates more complexity.
- → How do I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tapenade during preparation for a subtle heat, or increase the amount to taste. Fresh chili peppers minced and folded into the tapenade also work well for a more pronounced spicy kick.
- → Can I use fresh pasta instead of dried?
Fresh pasta works beautifully with this tapenade. Reduce cooking time to 2-3 minutes or follow package directions. Fresh pasta may require less reserved pasta water due to its moisture content, so add gradually while tossing.
- → What garnishes pair well with this dish?
Fresh parsley, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese are traditional choices. Other options include toasted breadcrumbs for texture, red pepper flakes for heat, or thinly sliced red onions for brightness. Vegan alternatives like nutritional yeast work well too.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
While best served immediately, leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. The pasta may absorb the sauce, so store the tapenade separately if possible. Reheat gently with additional olive oil or pasta water to restore the sauce consistency.