Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Pasta with Kalamata Olives
Bright lemon and garlic flavors mingle with briny Kalamata olives and fresh herbs in this quick Mediterranean-inspired pasta. This mediterranean-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup pitted and halved Kalamata olives, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp lemon juice to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 minute to combine flavors.
- Step 4: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pasta.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Pasta with Kalamata Olives take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Pasta with Kalamata Olives?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Pasta with Kalamata Olives?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Pasta with Kalamata Olives for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Pasta with Kalamata Olives vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
