Sicilian Tomato and Olives Pasta
A vibrant pasta dish featuring sun-ripened tomatoes, briny olives, and fresh basil, simmered in a simple garlic-infused oil. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, cooking for 4 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften.
- Step 4: Add drained pasta, 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup chopped basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the strands and thickens slightly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sicilian Tomato and Olives Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Sicilian Tomato and Olives Pasta?
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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sicilian Tomato and Olives Pasta?
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 Sicilian Tomato and Olives Pasta 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.
What goes well with Sicilian Tomato and Olives Pasta?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Made for my family and they loved the fresh flavors.
- ★★★★★
My go-to recipe for Sicilian nights. The olives and tomatoes complement each other beautifully.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a keeper! The aroma while cooking was amazing and the dish was a hit.
