Mediterranean Skillet Pasta

I used to date a vegetarian. (He was cute.) This was around the time that I was giving the gluten-free diet thing a try, too. 

As happens, neither of those things worked out for me.

However, I have this *amazing* recipe to share with you as a result. It's got super-foods, healthy fats and tons of flavor! ;)

There's toasted pine nuts.

Buy pine nuts in the bulk foods section to avoid buying a quantity bigger than ya need.

Olives.

There is such a thing as personal olive dishes. Who knew?

Fresh fruit and veg.

And pesto. Everything's better with pesto.

I also had to show you the world's most photogenic tomato. Isn't she cute?

Ready for her close-up, Mr. Demille.

Each bite is different (and delicious) in this pasta! Creamy cheese, salty olives, chewy pasta and the richness of the pesto ties it all together.

Mediterranean Skillet Pasta

Serves 4 generously.

1/4 c. pine nuts

1 T. butter

1 T. olive oil

1 large shallot, chopped

8 oz. crimini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced

1/8 c. whole roasted garlic cloves in olive oil (found at the olive bar)

1 can reduced-sodium white beans

1/2 c. pitted mixed olives, halved

5 cups fresh spinach, chopped

8 oz. brown rice noodles (or regular wheat noodles)

1/3 c. prepared pesto

1/2 c. + 1/3 cup crumbled feta, divided (I used the kind marinated in olive oil and spices)

1 large tomato, chopped

1 lemon, sliced

In a pan, toast pine nuts over medium heat until they are golden brown and fragrant (they’ll sizzle); set aside. 

In the same skillet, sauté shallot in oil and butter over medium heat until translucent.  Add mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and are nicely browned.  Add garlic, white beans and olives; keep warm.

Cook pasta according to directions and drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water.  Rinse the pasta in cold water. Add reserved pasta water and pesto to the bean mixture.

Over medium heat, add spinach to the skillet; cook until wilted.  Add the pasta and 1/2 cup feta cheese, and heat through. (If the mixture looks a bit dry, add 1/4 cup water.)

Top with toasted pine nuts, remaining feta, tomato and a slice of lemon. 

If only all my dating flops resulted in delicious pasta-ness! (I would have a book. And a larger behind. Truly.)

xoxo,

Robin