Mountain High Organics Sicilian Christmas Eve Pasta
(Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free, Soy-Free)
Bring the warmth and tradition of Sicily to your holiday table with this festive Sicilian Christmas Eve Pasta. Featuring a medley of bold flavors—sweet golden raisins, briny Kalamata olives, toasted pine nuts, and a hint of heat from Calabrian chilies—this dish is a beautiful balance of savory and sweet. Paired with Mountain High Organics Spaghetti, it’s a hearty, flavorful celebration of Italian heritage perfect for your holiday gathering.
Servings
4 – 6
Prep Time
50 mins
Cook Time
55 mins
Good For
Lunch / Dinner
Ingredients
- Kosher or fine sea salt
- 1 pound Mountain High Organics Spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon anchovy paste
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped Calabrian chilies
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons double-strength tomato paste
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- ½ cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
- 1 cup golden raisins
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for serving
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the Mountain High Organics Spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain and rinse the spaghetti with hot water to keep it warm. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the anchovy paste, garlic, and Calabrian chilies, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and golden. Add the cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Add the marinara sauce, bring to a gentle boil, and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Incorporate the Sweet and Savory Elements:
Stir in the toasted pine nuts, golden raisins, and chopped Kalamata olives. Continue simmering for another 10 minutes, letting the sweet and savory flavors balance beautifully. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta thoroughly in the rich, flavorful sauce. If needed, stir in some reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Divide the pasta among serving plates or a large serving dish. Garnish generously with chopped parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
Summary
This Mountain High Organics Sicilian Christmas Eve Pasta is a festive blend of textures and flavors, perfect for celebrating the season with family and friends. The sweetness of the golden raisins, the crunch of toasted pine nuts, and the briny kick from Kalamata olives come together in a rich tomato sauce that’s bold yet balanced. It’s a holiday dish that’s sure to impress and bring a touch of Mediterranean magic to your table. Buon Natale!
As seen in Gluten Free & More
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