Dirty Martini Pasta
This pasta dish is inspired by the iconic dirty martini—salty, tangy, and rich with umami from green olives and blue cheese. It’s creamy, punchy, and totally unforgettable. If you love bold flavors and easy gourmet meals, this is the recipe you didn’t know you were missing.
Total Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup green olives, sliced (stuffed or unstuffed)
1/4 cup dry vermouth (or white wine)
2 tablespoons olive brine (from the olive jar)
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese (or feta, for milder flavor)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional: extra lemon zest and chili flakes
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Sauté the Garlic & Olives:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (1 minute). Add olives and cook for another 2 minutes.
Deglaze with Vermouth:
Pour in the vermouth and olive brine. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Add Lemon & Cheese:
Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce reaches a silky consistency.
Finish with Cheese:
Sprinkle blue cheese over the hot pasta and toss gently to melt slightly. Season with black pepper and adjust salt if needed.
Garnish & Serve:
Plate and top with more blue cheese crumbles, fresh parsley, and extra lemon zest. Serve hot.
Tips:
Balance the Saltiness:
Since olives, brine, and blue cheese are salty, taste before adding extra salt.
Use High-Quality Olives:
Castelvetrano or garlic-stuffed green olives give great flavor. Use pitted and sliced for easier eating.
Reserve Pasta Water:
This starchy liquid is key to creating a glossy, emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta.
Don’t Overcook the Garlic:
Just sauté until fragrant—burned garlic can overpower the dish.
Serve Immediately:
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh when the cheese is melty and the sauce silky.
Variations:
Swap the Cheese:
Use feta or goat cheese for a milder, tangy version.
Try Parmesan for a nuttier, less creamy flavor.
Add Protein:
Toss in grilled shrimp, chicken, or even crisp pancetta for a heartier meal.
Go Vegetarian or Vegan:
Use a dairy-free cheese substitute and plant-based butter.
Add sautéed mushrooms for depth and umami.
Spice It Up:
Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to balance the briny elements.
Make it Creamier:
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a rich, velvety finish.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this dish without alcohol?
A: Yes. Replace vermouth with more olive brine and a splash of vegetable broth or white wine vinegar (diluted) for acidity.
Q: What pasta type works best?
A: Spaghetti or linguine is ideal, but you can use any pasta that holds sauce well, like bucatini or fettuccine.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the garlic, olives, and cheese in advance. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta to easily adapt the recipe.
Q: What does it actually taste like?
A: Tangy, savory, creamy, and rich—think of it like pasta meets a dirty martini, but in a totally comforting, gourmet way.
Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
Calories: ~420 kcal
Protein: 12–15g
Fat: 20–25g
Carbohydrates: 45–50g
Sodium: ~850mg (varies with olives and cheese)
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Note: Nutritional values will vary based on exact ingredients and quantities used.
Conclusion
Dirty Martini Pasta is a bold, creative twist on a weeknight meal that combines the salty tang of green olives, the richness of blue cheese, and the punch of vermouth into one unforgettable dish. It’s easy, elevated, and a total conversation starter—perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or when you’re simply craving something unique and delicious. If you love martinis or Mediterranean flavors, this dish is your new favorite.