Classic Italian Tagliatelle Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

  • 200g of tagliatelle pasta
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 200g of cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 50g of black olives, pitted and halved
  • 75g of feta cheese, crumbled
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tagliatelle and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it becomes translucent.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the pan and continue to sauté for another minute.
  5. Add the cherry tomatoes and black olives to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
  6. Add the cooked and drained tagliatelle to the pan. Toss everything together to combine and warm through.
  7. Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped basil over the top of the pasta.
  9. Serve the tagliatelle hot, with extra feta cheese and basil on the side if desired.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - for boiling the tagliatelle pasta
  • Sauté pan - to cook the onion, garlic, tomatoes, and olives
  • Colander - for draining the cooked pasta
  • Kitchen tongs - to toss and combine the pasta with the sauce
  • Knife - for chopping the onion and basil leaves
  • Cutting board - to provide a surface for chopping the ingredients
  • Grater - to crumble the feta cheese
  • Measuring spoons - for accurately measuring the olive oil and seasonings

Recipe variations

  • Replace tagliatelle pasta with spaghetti or fettuccine.
  • Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed version.
  • Include sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
  • Substitute feta cheese with Parmesan or goat cheese.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for extra tanginess.
  • Replace black olives with Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist.
  • Add fresh spinach or arugula for some added greens.
  • Include roasted bell peppers for a smoky flavor.
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the feta cheese or using a plant-based cheese alternative.

Recipe overview

This Tagliatelle pasta recipe is a flavorful and refreshing dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal. The pasta is cooked al dente and tossed in a sauce made from sautéed onions, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and black olives. The dish is then topped with crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil for an added burst of flavor. This recipe is not only delicious, but also simple to prepare and packed with healthy ingredients. Expect a satisfying meal that will delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Enjoy this Tagliatelle pasta as a stand-alone dish or pair it with your favorite side salad for a complete dining experience.

Common questions

  1. Can I use dried tagliatelle pasta instead of fresh?
    Yes, you can substitute dried tagliatelle pasta for fresh. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package.
  2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
    Yes, you can use other long pasta varieties like fettuccine or linguine if you don't have tagliatelle.
  3. Can I omit the olives from the recipe?
    Yes, if you don't like olives or don't have them on hand, you can leave them out or substitute with another ingredient of your choice.
  4. Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
    Yes, you can use grated Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese as alternatives to feta.
  5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
    Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you don't add any meat or animal-based ingredients.
  6. Can I make this recipe vegan?
    No, this recipe includes feta cheese which is not vegan. However, you can experiment with vegan cheese alternatives if desired.
  7. Can I add any additional vegetables or protein to the dish?
    Absolutely! You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein.
  8. How long does it take to cook the pasta?
    The cooking time for the tagliatelle pasta will vary depending on the brand and thickness. Follow the instructions on the package for the most accurate cooking time.
  9. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
    While it's best to serve the tagliatelle immediately after tossing with the sauce, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it before mixing it with the cooked pasta.
  10. How many servings does this recipe make?
    This recipe yields approximately 2-3 servings.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Tagliatelle is a type of pasta that hails from the Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions of Italy. It's famed to have been inspired by the hair of Lucrezia Borgia, the daughter of Pope Alexander VI, and was supposedly created by a poetic cook on the occasion of her marriage to Alfonso d'Este, Duke of Ferrara in 1487. This amusing tale is a testament to the playful and passionate spirit of Italian cuisine, although it's more likely that tagliatelle has been a staple in Italian food culture for even longer. Regardless of its true origins, tagliatelle continues to be adored worldwide for its versatility and its ability to hold a variety of rich and hearty sauces. Buon appetito!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.