Salads – Penne Pasta with Feta, Olives and Grape Tomatoes

Penne Pasta with Feta, Olives and Grape Tomatoes

This easy pasta recipe can be thrown together quickly for a tasty side dish that goes well with picnics and barbecues.

♥ Use low fat feta cheese instead of regular feta cheese.
♥ Reduce the amount of olive oil by half.

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients:
12 ounces penne noodles
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cups grape tomatoes
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 cup low fat feta cheese
1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
¼ tsp. black pepper, coarsely ground
Pinch of salt

Boil a large covered saucepan of salted water. Add the penne noodles and cook as directed. Meanwhile, in large skillet, heat oil until hot. Add grape tomatoes. Cook 5 to 6 minutes or until skins split, shaking pan occasionally. Remove skillet from heat and set aside. Drain penne, reserving 1/4 cup of cooking water. Add penne and remaining cooking water to the tomatoes in the skillet. Stir in feta, olives, salt and 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper.