Pasta Mediterránea (15 Minutos)

Ingredientes

• 16 oz pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or extra-virgin olive oil)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick if you want)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 8 oz feta cheese
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup pasta water (Add the juice of 1/2 lemon for extra flavor!)
• 1 pint grape tomatoes (halved (I used 2 colors but you can use one only))
• 15 oz quartered artichoke hearts (drained)
• 3/4 cup olives (I used both green and Kalamata olives)
• Fresh chopped parsley
• Shredded Parmesan
• Crumbled feta

Preparación

1. 1

   Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water with a hint of olive oil to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, following the time stated on the package. Right before draining, remove 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and reserve. Drain pasta!

2. 2

   Sauté the garlic and herbs: Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper to taste and cook for about 1 minute, stirring now and then. If you’d like to add a kick to this pasta, sauté a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other ingredients.

3. 3

   Make the sauce: Add cream cheese, feta cheese, and heavy cream, mixing until the cheese melts and creates a sauce. For extra flavor, squeeze the juice of half lemon if you want. Add the pasta water and then toss the pasta until evenly coated.

4. 4

   Add the veggies: Finish the Mediterranean pasta by adding tomatoes, olives, and quartered artichokes. Cook for a minute to warm them through. Garnish with parsley, feta, and/or Parmesan cheese.