Sicilian-style Mini Pens Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound mini penne pasta
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat with the garlic oil. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
4. Add the parsley, mint, olives, raisins, and pine nuts to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the raisins are plump and the nuts are fragrant.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
6. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese as desired.

Verdict:

This Sicilian-style mini penne pasta is a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors. The golden raisins add a touch of sweetness that is balanced perfectly by the salty olives and Parmesan cheese. The toasted pine nuts add a nice crunch, while the fresh herbs brighten up the dish. It’s a quick and easy pasta dish that will impress your family and friends.

Serving Suggestions:

This pasta dish is delicious served hot as a main course, but it’s also great chilled and packed as a lunch or picnic snack. You can add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables to make it heartier. It’s also a great side dish to serve alongside grilled meats or fish. Enjoy!