If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that feels effortlessly elegant but still delivers on comfort, you need to try this Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese. It’s packed with the vibrant flavors of tender spinach, briny feta, and sun-dried tomatoes, all brightened up with a pop of lemon. In just about 25 minutes, you’ll have a Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s not only hearty and wholesome but also stunning enough to serve to guests. The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder—maximum reward for minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The real magic of Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese comes from a handful of staple ingredients that play off each other beautifully. Each component brings its own flair, from creamy to zesty, making every bite memorable and fresh.
- Pasta: Penne, fusilli, or farfalle work perfectly here, with their nooks capturing all the good bits.
- Olive Oil: Sets a rich and silky base for sautéing everything together.
- Garlic: Three cloves add warmth and fragrance—don’t be tempted to skip!
- Fresh Spinach: Six cups may seem like a lot, but it wilts down to weave green goodness throughout the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you love a gentle kick, sprinkle some in for a touch of heat.
- Salt and Black Pepper: The backbone seasonings—taste as you go for just the right balance.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Their chew and tanginess brighten up every forkful.
- Feta Cheese: Crumble in for salty, creamy pops that make this pasta so satisfying.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: The secret to keeping flavors punchy and fresh.
- Reserved Pasta Water: Just a splash helps create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
How to Make Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta of choice until just al dente. This gives the noodles a satisfying bite, which is perfect since they’ll get tossed with the sauce later. Don’t forget to scoop out about a quarter cup of the pasta water right before draining—it’s a game changer for the sauce!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spinach
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, and let it sizzle for a minute until fragrant—your kitchen will already smell amazing! Stir in the chopped spinach (and the red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat). Cook for a couple of minutes until the greens are just wilted and vibrant. Be sure to season with salt and black pepper for the best flavor boost.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Next, add the sun-dried tomatoes and cooked pasta right into your skillet. Pour in the reserved pasta water, along with lemon zest and juice, then toss everything so it’s beautifully coated and heated through. It should look glossy and colorful, with little flecks of green, red, and yellow.
Step 4: Add Feta and Serve
As the final flourish, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese. The gentle warmth will soften the feta just enough to create creamy, tangy pockets in the pasta. Give it a gentle toss and serve your Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese right away while it’s warm and inviting.
How to Serve Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese
Garnishes
A handful of fresh basil, extra lemon zest, or even toasted pine nuts make wonderful garnishes for Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese. These simple touches add another layer of freshness, zing, or crunch that elevates the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve it with a simple green salad, herby roasted vegetables, or warm artisan bread for a well-rounded meal. A chilled glass of crisp white wine pairs especially well, balancing the tang of feta and lemon.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese right from the skillet for a rustic, family-style feel, or plate it in shallow bowls with a dramatic crumble of feta on top. For gatherings, nestle it into a large platter sprinkled with microgreens for a dish that looks as gorgeous as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese keeps surprisingly well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next day’s lunch just as exciting.
Freezing
Although this recipe tastes best fresh, you can freeze it in a pinch—just know that the spinach may release a bit of water and the feta will become more crumbly after thawing. Store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to one month.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to loosen things up as it warms. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking, and finish with a fresh squirt of lemon juice.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach can work in a pinch. Just thaw and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the skillet to avoid watering down the sauce.
What type Main Course
Short, sturdy shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle are ideal since they help trap all the flavor-packed bits of spinach, feta, and sun-dried tomato.
Is there a vegan alternative for feta cheese?
Absolutely! Swap the feta for a plant-based crumbly cheese or simply use toasted pine nuts and a touch of nutritional yeast for salty, savory flavor.
How can I make Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese gluten-free?
It’s easy—just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and follow the recipe as written. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What proteins can I add to make it a more filling meal?
Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or sautéed shrimp add plenty of protein and pair nicely with the Mediterranean flavors in Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese a spot in your dinner rotation. It’s such a quick, flavorful, and satisfying way to treat yourself and your loved ones—even on a hectic evening. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds!
Print
Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish with this Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese recipe. This flavorful pasta combines the richness of feta cheese with the freshness of spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, all tossed in a zesty lemon-infused sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 6 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, saving 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic in olive oil, add spinach, season, then mix in tomatoes and pasta.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in lemon zest, juice, and feta cheese; serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute baby kale or arugula for the spinach.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a tablespoon of cream or Greek yogurt before adding the feta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
