Pasta with Feta, Tomatoes, and Spinach

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pasta with Feta, Tomatoes, and Spinach is a quick, healthy, and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish. It’s a simple yet elegant recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a light lunch. Packed with fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, spinach, and feta cheese, this dish is not only delicious but also versatile enough to pair with grilled meats or seafood. It’s a perfect example of how easy it is to enjoy a Mediterranean-style meal at home.

Ingredients

• 8 oz bow-tie pasta (or any short-cut pasta like penne or fusilli)

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 cups fresh spinach (or other leafy greens like arugula or kale)

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 block (about 4 oz) feta cheese, crumbled

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

• 3 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain when done and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.

3. Add spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts.

4. Stir in crumbled feta cheese and cook for another minute.

5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato-spinach mixture. Pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir everything to combine. Heat through for about 1 minute.

6. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 25 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetables: Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or artichokes for more flavor and color.

• Cheese: Swap out feta with fresh mozzarella, Parmesan, or even a dairy-free alternative for a vegan version.

• Protein: You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal.

• Pasta: Any short pasta works, including penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta is also a great option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: This dish can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave until warmed through, or on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Any short-cut pasta like penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta will work great.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.

3. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, replace feta with dairy-free or vegan feta cheese for a dairy-free version.

4. Can I make this recipe with frozen spinach?

Yes, you can use thawed and drained frozen spinach in place of fresh spinach.

5. How can I add more protein to this dish?

You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some beans for added protein.

6. What type of feta cheese should I use?

Fresh block feta cheese is best as it provides a creamy texture and fresher flavor. You can also use crumbled feta for convenience.

7. Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even artichokes for extra flavor.

8. How long will the leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

9. Can I serve this dish as a side?

Yes, this pasta works beautifully as a side dish with grilled meats or seafood.

10. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this pasta can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prep.

Conclusion

This Pasta with Feta, Tomatoes, and Spinach is an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that showcases fresh Mediterranean ingredients. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a nutritious meal in under 30 minutes. The versatility of the recipe means you can adjust it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether served as a light vegetarian meal or paired with protein, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Pasta with Feta, Tomatoes, and Spinach

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This Pasta with Feta, Tomatoes, and Spinach recipe is a quick and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, spinach, and feta cheese, it's a light yet flavorful meal you can prepare in just 30 minutes. This versatile dish can also be paired with grilled meats or seafood for a more hearty option.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: : 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

8 oz bow-tie pasta (or any short-cut pasta like penne or fusilli)

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups fresh spinach (or other leafy greens like arugula or kale)

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 block (about 4 oz) feta cheese, crumbled

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp paprika

¼ tsp salt

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

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Instructions

• Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in a large pot of water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

• Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, until tomatoes soften.

• Wilt the spinach: Add spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts.

• Add feta: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and cook for an additional minute.

• Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato-spinach mixture. Pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir to combine. Heat everything for about 1 minute.

• Serve: Serve immediately.

Notes

• You can swap feta for fresh mozzarella, Parmesan, or a dairy-free option if desired.

• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or beans to increase the protein content.

• Feel free to incorporate other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor.