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Dirty Martini Pasta with Olives

Dirty Martini Pasta with Olives
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Dirty Martini Pasta with Olives is a quick and flavorful dish combining briny green and black olives, aromatic garlic, dry vermouth, and al dente pasta. This cocktail-inspired pasta recipe delivers bold, savory, and herbaceous flavors enhanced by fresh parsley, lemon zest, and an optional Parmesan finish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, it offers a unique twist that is both easy and memorable.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz spaghetti, linguine, or preferred long pasta

Olives and Aromatics

  • 1/2 cup mixed green and black olives, pitted and chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

Liquids and Oil

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup dry vermouth

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional

  • Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. Sauté garlic and olives: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the mixed olives and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes to release their briny aroma.
  3. Add the dry vermouth: Pour in the dry vermouth and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate while infusing the garlic and olives with herbal notes.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to combine. Gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
  5. Season and garnish: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, freshly ground black pepper, salt to taste, and lemon zest. Toss everything again then finish with chopped fresh parsley and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

  • Use a good-quality dry vermouth for the best herbal and balanced flavor.
  • Choose pitted olives for easier preparation and eating.
  • Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce and achieve a silky texture.
  • Avoid overcooking the garlic to prevent bitterness.
  • Because olives are salty, taste before adding extra salt.

Nutrition

Keywords: Dirty Martini Pasta, pasta with olives, vermouth pasta, easy pasta recipe, cocktail-inspired pasta, quick weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/dirty-martini-pasta-with-olives/