If you’re craving something that’s fast, fresh, and utterly satisfying, Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese promises to be your new favorite weeknight dinner. Imagine tender pasta tossed with silky wilted spinach, tangy feta, a burst of lemon, and a hint of garlic—each forkful is a flavor-packed embrace of Mediterranean inspiration. Whether you’re new to the kitchen or a seasoned pro looking for a wholesome go-to, this dish balances ease, taste, and a healthy dose of green for a meal that never gets old.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese is how each simple ingredient shines in the finished dish. Every component plays a key role, from the sturdy bite of the pasta to the creamy tang of feta and the vibrant green of fresh spinach. Let’s look at what you’ll need and why it matters.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti): Choose your favorite shape—short pasta soaks up the sauces, while long pasta keeps things classic and twirl-worthy.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This adds richness and helps bring all the lovely flavors together in the pan.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: A touch of garlic goes a long way in infusing aromatic warmth and depth.
- 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped: The heart of the dish—spinach wilts down for a silky texture and delivers a beautiful green color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the sauce to make every bite sing.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Lends a gentle heat and rounds out the earthiness of the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper wakes everything up.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, salty, and tangy feta is the star cheese, bringing bold flavor and luscious texture.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the flavors and adds a subtle zesty kick.
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed): This starchy water helps create a silky, cohesive sauce that clings to every piece.
- Grated Parmesan for topping (optional): Finish with a sprinkle for an extra layer of savory goodness.
How to Make Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—salted water is key for flavor! Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Before draining, scoop out about a quarter cup of that pasta water; this step is a game-changer for creating a silky sauce later. Drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Spinach and Garlic
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add your minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant but not browned. Toss in the chopped spinach along with the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and glossy, releasing its brilliant color and flavor.
Step 3: Combine Pasta, Spinach, and Feta
Reduce your skillet heat to low and add your cooked pasta straight into the glorious spinach mixture. Sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese and squeeze over the lemon juice. Use tongs or a large spoon to toss everything together, ensuring the cheese melts into creamy pockets and every piece of pasta glistens. If it seems a little dry, drizzle in some of that reserved pasta water until it’s just the right consistency—creamy but not soupy.
Step 4: Taste and Serve
Pause for a taste and adjust the salt or pepper if needed. Serve your Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese warm, right away, with an extra sprinkle of feta or Parmesan for the perfect finish. Every bite should be bright, savory, and satisfying!
How to Serve Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese
Garnishes
A handful of fresh herbs like basil, dill, or parsley makes a fresh, fragrant finish. For a pretty touch and a flavor boost, sprinkle on extra crumbled feta or a dusting of grated Parmesan. If you love a bit more zing, add a pinch of lemon zest right before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta is robust enough to shine on its own, but it pairs brilliantly with garlic bread or a rustic slice of sourdough. For more veggies, a crisp Greek salad or a simple cucumber-tomato salad adds a refreshing counterpoint. If you want extra protein, try grilled chicken strips or chickpeas alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese into a beautiful dinner-party centerpiece by serving it family-style in a big, shallow bowl. Toss in toasted pine nuts for crunch, or swirl your portions into little nests for a bistro-style touch. For a picnic twist, chill the pasta and serve it as a Mediterranean-inspired cold pasta salad!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese is a lifesaver for lunches or busy evenings. Let the pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, maintaining good flavor and texture.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Spoon individual portions into freezer-safe containers. Be aware that spinach and feta both release extra moisture after freezing, so the texture may soften, but the taste will still satisfy in a pinch.
Reheating
Gently reheat the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to restore its creaminess. Stir frequently and warm it just until heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long, which can dry out the cheese and overcook the spinach.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen spinach, just thaw and squeeze out excess water before tossing it into the skillet. It won’t look quite as vibrant, but you’ll still get all that lovely leafy flavor in your Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese.
What other types of pasta work well?
This recipe is super flexible—penne, fusilli, spaghetti, farfalle, or rigatoni all work beautifully. The key is to use a shape that “hugs” the sauce or a noodle that twirls up all the goodness in each bite.
How can I make this dish gluten free?
Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your feta cheese is made without gluten-containing additives. The rest of the ingredients in Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese are naturally gluten free!
Can I add protein to the recipe?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or canned chickpeas all make fantastic additions. Just cook them separately and toss them in during the final step for a more filling meal.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes—Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese holds up well for a couple of days in the fridge, and is just as enjoyable reheated for lunch or dinner the next day. It’s a wonderfully reliable option for meal planners.
Final Thoughts
Your fork is waiting—why not treat yourself to an incredibly easy, flavor-packed meal tonight? Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese brings together everything I love about Mediterranean cooking: vibrant greens, creamy cheese, and irresistible simplicity. Give it a try and let it become one of your trusty go-to recipes, too!
Print
Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese recipe that combines the freshness of spinach, tanginess of feta cheese, and hints of garlic and lemon for a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- grated Parmesan for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil. Add spinach, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until wilted.
- Combine: Reduce heat, add pasta to the skillet. Mix in feta, lemon juice. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning, top with feta or Parmesan. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use baby spinach for a more tender texture.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- This recipe also works well with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
