This quick and easy 20-minute Kalamata olive, tomato, and caper pasta is perfect for the weeknight rush! Full of flavor and packed full of fresh goodness.
If there is one thing I love it’s an easy pasta recipe!
This dish is just that and it’s packed full of kalamata olives, fresh summer cherry tomatoes, and capers all swimming in a garlicky butter olive oil sauce.
Trust me, if you’re craving a flavorful pasta dish (and you’re a lover all things olives!) this is the past for you.
I also threw in some fresh basil because it pumps up the flavor even more.
Don’t worry if you don’t have any fresh basil on hand – dried or freeze dried will work just as well!
Table of Contents
Ingredients in this kalamata olive, tomato, caper pasta
- Pasta – I used bowtie pasta for this dish but you can easily substitute any pasta you have on hand.
- Butter and olive oil – I like to use a mix of both to add flavor and body to the pasta dish.
- Yellow onion – This adds a hint of traditional pasta sauce flavor and can be replaced with red or sweet onion.
- Garlic – Add as little or as much as you want!
- Cherry tomatoes – If you can’t find cherry tomatoes you can also use grape tomatoes.
- Capers – I love the briney flavor they bring and feel free to adjust the amount added based on personal preferance.
- Kalamata olives – Olives are the main flavor in this pasta dish so be sure to use olives you love.
- Fresh basil – This adds such a burst of fresh flavor.
- Parmesan cheese – Use freshly grated if you can!
Substitutions and additions
If you’re looking to add even more flavor to this kalamata olive, tomato, caper pasta here are a few substitutions and additions you can add to this easy kalamata olive pasta:
- Add protein – If you’re looking to add a little more protein try adding grilled chicken or even grilled shrimp.
- Use a different olive – If you can’t find kalamata olives you could easily substitute black olives. I personally don’t think green olives work well here but that will depend on personal taste.
- Add more fresh herbs – I love the addition of fresh basil but if you had fresh oregano or fresh parsley on hand those would be great additions too.
More fast and easy pasta recipes
- Want a one pot pasta recipe that is filled with flavor? Try my One Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta.
- Craving a simple pasta recipe? Try my Chicken Broccoli Ziti.
- One of my most popular recipes! Try my Cajun Shrimp Alfredo.
- Need another meatless pasta recipe? Try my Ratatouille Pasta.
20 Minute Kalamata Olive, Tomato, and Caper Pasta
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, fill with salted water and set over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling add pasta and cook till al dente, following box directions.
- While the pasta is cooking start your sauce.
- In a large skillet melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add in onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add in tomatoes and capers and sauté until the tomatoes just start to soften. Remove from heat and set aside while your pasta finishes cooking.
- Once the pasta is fully cooked, drain and add back to the pot.
- Add sauce, Parmesan cheese, olives, and basil to the pasta. Toss to combine and drizzle with more olive oil if the pasta is too dry.
- Season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve warm with a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.