Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese is the ultimate feel-good, flavor-packed dinner that absolutely anyone can master. Al dente pasta gets tossed with a tumble of just-wilted spinach, fragrant garlic, and a punchy squeeze of lemon, all finished with salty, creamy nuggets of feta you simply can’t resist. With vibrant greens, savory cheese, and a dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, this Mediterranean-inspired meal is one of those rare recipes that feels as comforting as it does fresh. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this is the kind of pasta dinner people will beg you to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese is all about bold flavors coming from just a handful of essential ingredients. Each one pulls its weight, balancing heartiness with brightness and creamy with crisp, so don’t skip a single thing for the full Mediterranean charm!
- 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta: Go for your favorite shape; penne and fusilli catch the sauce and cheese beautifully in every bite!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A good extra-virgin olive oil deepens flavor and brings out the best in the garlic and greens.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Freshly minced garlic creates an irresistible aroma and grounds the whole dish with savory warmth.
- 6 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped): Piles of spinach shrink down as they cook, adding color, earthiness, and plenty of nutrients.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings the flavors together and seasons both the veggies and the pasta water.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Balances the feta’s tang with just the right hint of heat.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick that makes the spinach and cheese pop even more.
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved): The secret to a luscious sauce, this liquid helps everything cling together and stay silky.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Tangy, creamy, and salty—feta transforms this dish into a Mediterranean feast.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Just a splash brightens every bite and perfectly complements the cheese and greens.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Finely chopped parsley adds fresh color and a pop of herbal flavor to finish it off.
How to Make Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Set a large pot of salted water on high heat and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your penne or fusilli and give it an occasional stir. Cook until al dente, following the timing on your pasta package. Right before draining, carefully scoop out a half-cup of the starchy water and set it aside—this step makes all the difference for a creamy, cohesive Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta cooks, warm up your biggest skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle and soften for about 30 seconds, just enough to fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma without letting it turn brown.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
Add the chopped spinach directly to the skillet, then sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some gentle heat. Stir everything together as the spinach collapses and becomes vivid green. This usually takes just 2–3 minutes, and it’s fascinating to watch so much spinach cozy down to the perfect amount.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Greens
Once your spinach is perfectly wilted, toss in the cooked pasta along with the reserved pasta water. Use tongs or a big spoon to toss everything until the pasta is coated in the garlicky, emerald-savvy mixture. The starchy water will help everything hug together—no dry bites allowed!
Step 5: Add Feta and Lemon
Now for the finishing touches that make Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese shine. Sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese and drizzle over the lemon juice, then gently toss to combine. In just a minute or two, the feta melts slightly and the whole pan smells impossibly fresh and savory.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is piping hot and perfectly combined, spoon the pasta into bowls. If you love a pop of color and a burst of freshness, scatter some parsley on top. Serve right away for maximum flavor and creamy goodness!
How to Serve Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese
Garnishes
Go classic with a shower of freshly chopped parsley or try a final crumble of extra feta and a twist of black pepper. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a bright, zesty finish that plays up the dish’s Mediterranean spirit. You can even sprinkle on toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of olive oil for a touch of elegance when you present Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese.
Side Dishes
This pasta is fantastic on its own, but if you’re in a sharing mood, pair it with a crisp Greek salad or some warm, crusty bread to mop up any extras. Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, round out the meal with extra color and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese in a big family-style bowl at the center of the table, or plate it in shallow dishes with swirls of sauce and vibrant pops of green and white. For a playful twist, portion it into individual ramekins and broil for a minute or two to gently brown the top, giving you irresistible bubbly cheese and a little crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any extra Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days—making it a perfect lunch or speedy dinner the next day.
Freezing
While this pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if you’d like to batch cook. Scoop the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers, pressing out as much air as possible. It will keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
For the tastiest leftovers, warm your Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring in a splash of water or extra olive oil to revive its creamy consistency. Microwave reheating works too, just use a lower power setting and stir once or twice so everything heats evenly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Thaw the spinach first and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to your skillet. It’s a great shortcut, and still gives you the vibrant look and flavor Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese is famous for.
What type Main Course
Look for a block of feta in brine for the most authentic texture and bracing flavor. If you’re short on time, pre-crumbled feta will work too, but block feta usually melts into the pasta for that perfect creaminess.
Can I add protein to make it a complete meal?
Absolutely! If you want to make your Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese extra hearty, stir in some leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or even chickpeas right at the end. The flavors all play together so well, you’ll want to try a new combination every time.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Sure thing! Just swap in your favorite plant-based feta or creamy vegan cheese, and use egg-free pasta. The spinach, lemon, and garlic keep all the brightness and bold flavor in place.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply choose your favorite gluten-free pasta shape and prepare according to package instructions. The sauce and add-ins are already naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese without worry!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a dish that’s bright, simple, and bursting with flavor, and Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese fits that bill every single time. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and let it become your own go-to for effortless, comforting nights around the table!
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Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese recipe is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish, combining the earthy flavors of spinach and tangy feta cheese with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a quick and easy vegetarian meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 6 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Prepare the sauce: Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add spinach, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until spinach wilts.
- Combine: Add pasta, reserved water, feta cheese, and lemon juice to the skillet. Heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- You can use frozen spinach—just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
