The Mediterranean Diet was recently named the best diet in the world for the fourth year in a row. This healthy way of eating is inspired by the traditional dietary patterns of the Mediterranean region and focuses on eating a balanced diet of quality whole foods—including al dente pasta.

To kick off 2021 on the right foot we bring you three delicious and balanced recipes from Barilla , easy for the whole family to follow, that align with the Mediterranean diet.

For more inspiration, check out Barilla’s recipe builder for dishes inspired by the flavors of Italy.

Spaghetti with Seafood and Saffron White Wine Sauce (above)
Serves: 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 box Collezione Spaghetti

2 cloves garlic, chopped

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

½ pound shrimp, sliced in half

½ pound calamari, sliced into rings

1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half

½ cup, white wine

¼ teaspoon saffron

1 tablespoon parsley

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Bring 4-6 quarts of water to a boil. Add salt to taste.
2. Add pasta to boiling water – for authentic “al dente” pasta boil for 11 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain well.
3. While spaghetti pasta is cooking, gently cook garlic in olive oil for 1-2 minutes in a large skillet.
4. Increase the heat to high and add the seafood; sauté for 2 minutes or until seafood is almost cooked. Then add tomatoes, wine and saffron.
5. Drain spaghetti and combine with the sauce, lemon zest and parsley. Enjoy!

Barilla Whole Grain Penne with Radicchio, Butternut Squash & Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese
Serves: 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes 

Ingredients

1 box Barilla Whole Grain Penne

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oi

l½ small onion, diced

1 medium butternut squash, diced small

1 head radicchio, sliced thin

Salt and black pepper to taste

½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. In a large skillet, cook onion in olive oil for 3-4 minutes or until translucent.
3. Add squash and sauté for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned.
4. Add the radicchio, season with salt and pepper and cook until wilted and soft.
5. Cook pasta 1 minute less than required cooking time. Add 3/4 cup of the pasta water to the sauce then drain and stir to combine.
6. Remove from heat and add Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
7. Stir to combine and serve.

Pesto Mediterranean Penne Pasta Salad
Serves: 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients
1 box Barilla Penne
1 jar Barilla Rustic Basil Pesto
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 medium red bell pepper, cored and cut into ½-inch cubes
1 medium green sweet pepper, cored and cut into ½-inch cubes
1 medium seedless cucumber, sliced into half-moon shapes
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon oregano, for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, draining 1 minute short of required cooking time.
2. Toss the pasta with olive oil and place on a baking sheet to cool.
3. Once the pasta is cool, in a large bowl, gently toss all ingredients to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle with oregano.