Hey there, pasta lovers! If you’re searching for a quick, vibrant dish that packs a flavorful punch, then you’re in for a treat with this pasta with feta, tomatoes, and spinach. Seriously, it’s one of those recipes that comes together in a snap but tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours! The creamy feta melts beautifully with the juicy, roasted tomatoes, while the fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. Plus, it’s perfect for any weeknight meal or a casual gathering with friends. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 8 ounces of pasta (any type you love, but I recommend penne or fusilli for the best texture)
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved (these little gems burst with flavor!)
- 2 cups of fresh spinach (washed and ready to go—don’t skip this vibrant green goodness!)
- 1 cup of feta cheese, crumbled (the creaminess is key—go for a good quality feta)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (extra virgin is my go-to for that rich flavor)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced (garlic lovers, rejoice!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (season it just right; you know your palate best!)
How to Prepare Pasta with Feta Tomatoes and Spinach
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that pasta going! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. I usually like to use penne or fusilli for this dish; they hold onto the sauce beautifully! Once the water’s bubbling, toss in 8 ounces of your chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 8 to 10 minutes for al dente perfection. Remember to taste a piece just before draining to make sure it’s cooked to your liking!
Sautéing the Vegetables
While the pasta cooks, let’s sauté those vibrant veggies. Grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add in 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute—just until it’s fragrant but not browned, because burnt garlic is a no-go! Next, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and let them cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and start to burst. Finally, stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach and cook until it wilts down, which should take just another minute or two. The colors will be so beautiful—trust me, your kitchen will smell divine!
Combining Ingredients
Now that everything’s ready, it’s time to bring it all together! Carefully drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the cooking water in case you need to loosen things up later. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with your sautéed veggies. Crumble in 1 cup of feta cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything gently to combine, letting that creamy feta melt a bit into the warm pasta and veggies. If things seem a bit dry, just splash in a little of that reserved pasta water until you reach the perfect consistency. And voilà! Dinner is served—warm, colorful, and oh-so-delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch
- Healthy vegetarian option loaded with fresh veggies
- Versatile—swap in your favorite pasta or add other veggies
- One-pan dish means less cleanup—yay!
- Deliciously creamy thanks to the feta that melts into the dish
Tips for Success
To make sure your pasta with feta, tomatoes, and spinach turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t skimp on the salt when cooking your pasta—it really enhances the flavor. Use high-quality feta; it makes a world of difference in creaminess and taste. If you want to add a bit more depth, try tossing in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick! And if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to bring it back to life!
Variations
One of the best things about this pasta with feta, tomatoes, and spinach is how easily you can customize it! Want to add a bit of crunch? Toss in some sliced bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and flavor. If you’re a fan of herbs, fresh basil or oregano can elevate the dish to new heights! You can also swap out the pasta; try using whole wheat or gluten-free varieties for a healthier twist. And for a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas—both work beautifully with the flavors in this dish!
Nutritional Information
This pasta with feta, tomatoes, and spinach is not only delicious but also nourishing! Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fiber: 3g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. Enjoy your tasty and balanced meal!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this pasta with feta, tomatoes, and spinach? I’ve got you covered! First off, can you use other types of pasta? Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite shape, whether it’s spaghetti, farfalle, or even whole grain. As for preparation time, this dish comes together in just about 25 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights. If you’re looking to spice things up, consider adding some red pepper flakes or olives for an extra kick. And don’t forget—leftovers are great for lunch the next day! Just store them in an airtight container and enjoy your delicious meal again!
Pasta with Feta Tomatoes and Spinach: 5 Flavorful Secrets
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful pasta dish featuring feta, tomatoes, and spinach.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet.
- Add feta cheese, salt, and pepper, and toss to combine.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use any pasta type you prefer.
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pasta with feta tomatoes and spinach