Irresistible Mediterranean Pasta with Feta, Spinach & Tomatoes

Mediterranean cuisine celebrates vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients that transform simple dishes into culinary masterpieces.

Pasta dishes from this region showcase a delightful blend of colorful vegetables, aromatic herbs, and rich cheeses that dance on the palate.

The combination of feta cheese, spinach, garlic, and cherry tomatoes creates a harmonious symphony of taste and texture that captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking.

Wholesome ingredients work together to deliver a nutritious and satisfying meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

Home cooks and food enthusiasts can easily recreate this delectable dish by embracing the simplicity and boldness of Mediterranean culinary traditions.

Fresh, seasonal ingredients are the secret to making this pasta experience truly memorable and authentically delicious.

Why Mediterranean Pasta With Feta Cheese, Spinach, Garlic, And Cherry Tomatoes Shines

• Quick Weeknight Win: Whip up this Mediterranean pasta in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious, hassle-free dinner.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with nutrient-rich spinach, antioxidant-loaded tomatoes, and protein-packed feta, this dish delivers a wholesome meal in one skillet.
• Versatile Flavor Explosion: Customize with your favorite proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using only one skillet and simple ingredients, this recipe ensures easy preparation and quick kitchen cleanup, saving time and effort.

What Goes Into Mediterranean Pasta With Feta Cheese, Spinach, Garlic, And Cherry Tomatoes

• Pasta: The foundation of the dish, providing a hearty and satisfying base for the Mediterranean flavors.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Adds sweet, juicy bursts of flavor and bright color to the dish.
• Spinach: Brings a fresh, nutritious green element with a mild, earthy taste.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor that is essential in Mediterranean cooking.

• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle, warm, slightly smoky note to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Contributes a classic Mediterranean herb blend for depth and complexity.
• Feta Cheese: Offers a tangy, creamy texture and distinctive salty flavor characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine.

• Olive Oil: Provides a rich, smooth base for cooking and adds authentic Mediterranean character.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with a fresh, zesty acidity that complements the other ingredients.

How To Cook Mediterranean Pasta With Feta Cheese, Spinach, Garlic, And Cherry Tomatoes

Step 1: Boil Pasta Base

Fill a generously sized pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Slide pasta into the bubbling water and cook until perfectly tender. Carefully drain the pasta, allowing excess water to escape, then set aside.

Step 2: Awaken Flavor Foundations

• Cherry tomatoes
• Minced garlic
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of paprika
• Sprinkle of Italian seasoning

Sauté the ingredients for a brief moment, watching tomatoes soften and release their luscious juices.

Step 3: Create Magical Pasta Finale

Introduce fresh spinach leaves, letting them gently wilt into the warm mixture. Crumble feta cheese throughout the skillet, creating pockets of creamy goodness. Fold in the cooked pasta, allowing each strand to become coated with the Mediterranean-inspired sauce. Splash in fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish. Give everything a final warm-through, adding an extra drizzle of olive oil if the dish seems dry. Serve immediately and transport your taste buds to a sunny coastal paradise.

Helpful Tips For Mediterranean Pasta With Feta Cheese, Spinach, Garlic, And Cherry Tomatoes

• Pasta Perfection: Choose high-quality pasta like penne or rotini for better sauce absorption and texture.
• Garlic Hack: Crush garlic cloves slightly before chopping to release more intense flavor and aroma.
• Spinach Swap: Replace fresh spinach with kale or swiss chard for a different nutrient-packed green option.
• Cheese Customization: Use crumbled goat cheese or dairy-free alternative for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
• Lemon Boost: Zest the lemon before juicing to add extra citrusy brightness and depth to the pasta dish.

How To Store And Reheat Mediterranean Pasta With Feta Cheese, Spinach, Garlic, And Cherry Tomatoes

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying out.
• Stovetop: Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently to distribute heat evenly. Drizzle extra olive oil or a bit of water to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Meal Prep: Keep components separate when possible. Store cooked pasta, vegetables, and cheese in different containers to maintain texture and prevent sogginess when reheating.

What To Pair With Mediterranean Pasta With Feta Cheese, Spinach, Garlic, And Cherry Tomatoes

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Opt for a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the Mediterranean flavors and cut through the richness of feta cheese.
• Match with Fresh Greek Salad: Create a side of cucumber, olives, and tomatoes dressed in olive oil to enhance the pasta's Mediterranean profile and add textural contrast.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Use a rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the flavorful olive oil and tomato juices, creating a complete and satisfying meal experience.
• Add Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano on top to boost the herb notes and provide a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.

Easy Variations For Mediterranean Pasta With Feta Cheese, Spinach, Garlic, And Cherry Tomatoes

• Gluten-Free Zoodle Version: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that maintains the Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Vegan Protein Boost: Substitute feta cheese with nutritional yeast and add roasted chickpeas or cubed tofu for plant-based protein and creamy texture.
• Protein-Packed Quinoa Swap: Replace pasta with quinoa to increase protein content and add a nutty flavor while keeping the original vegetable and seasoning combinations.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or harissa paste to add heat and complexity to the original recipe, transforming the dish with a bold spice element.

Mediterranean Pasta With Feta Cheese, Spinach, Garlic, And Cherry Tomatoes FAQs

• Is this pasta suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Mediterranean pasta is completely vegetarian-friendly, made with pasta, spinach, feta cheese, tomatoes, and no meat ingredients.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

While fresh spinach is recommended for better texture, you can use thawed and well-drained frozen spinach as a convenient alternative. Just squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the skillet.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe uses mild spices like paprika and Italian seasoning, creating a flavorful but not hot dish. If you prefer more heat, you can add red pepper flakes or extra black pepper.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Any medium-sized pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini works well. These shapes help capture the sauce and vegetables, creating a delicious and balanced bite.

Rich Mediterranean Pasta with Feta Cheese, Spinach, Garlic, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean Pasta with Feta Cheese celebrates summer’s fresh flavors in a simple, elegant dish. Zesty garlic, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta mingle with tender spinach, creating a quick Mediterranean-inspired meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 10 ounces (283 grams) farfalle pasta
• 8 ounces (227 grams) grape tomatoes (red and yellow, halved)
• 5 ounces (142 grams) fresh spinach, chopped
• 6 ounces (170 grams) crumbled feta cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more if needed)
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Submerge pasta and allow to simmer according to package guidelines until achieving an al dente texture.
3. Carefully drain pasta in a colander, reserving a small amount of cooking liquid, and set aside.
4. Warm extra virgin olive oil in a generously sized skillet over medium-high temperature.
5. Gently introduce cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, sea salt, fragrant paprika, and aromatic Italian seasoning into the heated pan.
6. Sauté ingredients for approximately 2 minutes, encouraging tomatoes to soften and release their natural juices.
7. Incorporate fresh spinach leaves, stirring continuously until they delicately wilt and reduce in volume.
8. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese throughout the vegetable mixture, allowing it to slightly melt and distribute evenly.
9. Introduce the prepared pasta to the skillet, carefully folding all components together with a splash of bright lemon juice.
10. Briefly reheat the entire mixture for an additional minute, ensuring all elements are thoroughly integrated and warmed.
11. Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired, creating a glossy and luscious finish to the Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Notes

• Swap pasta types to make the dish gluten-free by using zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for added nutrition and dietary flexibility.
• Enhance protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives like tofu to create a more substantial meal.
• Toast garlic briefly to prevent burning and release a deeper, nutty flavor without creating bitter undertones in the dish.
• Reserve a small amount of pasta water

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg