Cretan-style Penne with Tomato and Feta

Ingredients

In this Cretan adaptation, the traditional Italian penne alla fiesolana is transformed into a Cretan-style pasta dish. The original recipe is modified to incorporate the unique flavors and ingredients of Cretan cuisine. The addition of feta cheese, a staple in Cretan cooking, adds a distinct tanginess to the dish. The use of Cretan herbs and spices infuses the tomato sauce with a Mediterranean flair, giving it a delightful twist. We alse have the original recipe for Penne alla fiesolana, so you can check it out.

• 300g (10.5 oz) penne pasta 300g (10.5 oz) penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 150g (5.3 oz) feta cheese, crumbled 150g (5.3 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 8g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the canned diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Simmer the tomato sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked penne pasta to the pan and toss until well coated with the tomato sauce.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the pasta and gently mix to incorporate.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
8. 8.
   Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Feta cheese — For a creamier texture, use a block of feta cheese and crumble it yourself rather than using pre-crumbled feta.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a handful of Kalamata olives to the dish.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the pasta before serving.
• To make it more substantial, add grilled vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant to the dish.
• Experiment with different types of pasta shapes to add variety to the recipe.
• Serve the pasta with a side of crusty bread to mop up the delicious tomato sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Cretan-style Penne with Tomato and Feta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Present the dish in a shallow pasta bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the tomato sauce and feta cheese to shine through. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for an added pop of green.