Tired of the same old pasta night? Craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal? Then look no further! This pasta with capers recipe is your answer. It’s a simple dish bursting with bright Mediterranean flavors, ready in under 20 minutes, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Get ready to elevate your pasta game! This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking, and easily adaptable to your taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or your favorite shape)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds great depth of flavor)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Add Capers and Olives: Stir in the capers and olives, and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Deglaze (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for a minute or two, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the sauce to slightly reduce.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the caper and olive mixture. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Finish and Serve: Stir in the parsley and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
Tips for the Best Pasta with Capers:
- Don't overcook the garlic: Burning the garlic will make the dish bitter. Cook it just until fragrant.
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of this dish relies heavily on the quality of the capers and olives. Look for high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.
Variations:
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would be delicious additions to this recipe.
- Add vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach would complement the flavors beautifully.
- Lemon zest: A little lemon zest would add a bright, citrusy note to the dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This pasta with capers recipe is a testament to how delicious and easy healthy meals can be. It's a quick dinner idea that's both satisfying and bursting with flavor. Enjoy!