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If you’re looking for a vibrant, wholesome dish that delivers big on flavor without complexity, this Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. The tender pasta perfectly marries with the fresh baby spinach’s earthiness, while the tangy, creamy crumbled feta adds an irresistible burst of savory goodness. Brightened by a hint of lemon zest and juice, this dish is a refreshing, Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s as quick to prepare as it is delightful to eat. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual lunch, this recipe proves healthy eating can be absolutely delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe plays a vital role, from the simple starch of the pasta to the zesty lemon that brings it all to life. Each one is packed with flavor and texture, making the recipe both straightforward and incredibly tasty.
- Pasta (12 ounces): Penne or fusilli are great choices because their shapes hold the sauce and feta beautifully.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Provides a rich base for sautéing the garlic and spinach and adds a silky mouthfeel.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic depth and a subtle kick to awaken the dish.
- Fresh baby spinach (5 ounces): Delivers vibrant color, a mild earthiness, and nutritious greens.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a gentle heat and complexity to balance the richness.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A little optional warmth for those who love a touch of spice.
- Reserved pasta water (1/2 cup): Starchy liquid that helps marry the ingredients with a silky coating.
- Feta cheese (3/4 cup, crumbled): Creamy, tangy, and salty, it’s the star flavor maker here.
- Lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon): Adds a fresh, citrusy zing that brightens every bite.
- Lemon juice (juice of 1/2 lemon): Provides acidity to balance the feta’s creaminess and tie the flavors together.
How to Make Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start off by boiling your pasta in a large pot of salted water until it’s just tender (al dente). This ensures your pasta has the perfect bite to stand up to the creamy feta and tender spinach. Be sure to save half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining — it’s like liquid gold for bringing your sauce and pasta together in the final step.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach
While the pasta cooks, heat your olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle gently for about a minute until fragrant—this quick toast releases all the garlicky goodness without burning it. Next, add the fresh baby spinach, stirring often so it wilts evenly, turning vibrant green and soft in just a few minutes.
Step 3: Season and Combine
Once the spinach has softened, sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and that optional pinch of red pepper flakes to add warmth and complexity. Add the cooked pasta directly to your skillet with the spinach, tossing to combine everything. Then, gradually pour in the reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture, creating a light, silky coating that clings to each piece of pasta.
Step 4: Add Feta and Lemon
Turn off the heat and fold in the crumbled feta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The warmth from the pasta gently melts the feta just enough to be creamy without losing its shape, while the lemon zest and juice add a bright, fresh finish that elevates this simple dish to something truly special.
How to Serve Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe to the next level, sprinkle extra crumbled feta or a pinch of lemon zest on top right before serving. Fresh cracked black pepper and a drizzle of good quality olive oil make fantastic finishing touches that highlight the Mediterranean flavors.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a rustic country bread to mop up every last bit of sauce, or a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. For heartier meals, consider serving alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables to complement its fresh, tangy flavors without overpowering.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in a large, shallow bowl to showcase the colorful spinach and crumbly feta for an inviting table centerpiece. Alternatively, plate it elegantly in individual bowls garnished with a sprig of fresh herbs like parsley or dill to add an extra pop of green and aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld wonderfully over time, and it makes for an easy next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
While pasta with spinach and feta freezes well, the texture of the spinach and feta may change slightly after thawing. If you plan to freeze it, portion out into freezer-safe containers and consume within one month for the best quality.
Reheating
When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to reinvigorate the sauce and keep the pasta from drying out. Avoid using high heat to preserve the delicate textures and flavors of the spinach and feta.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta’s tangy creaminess defines this recipe, goat cheese or ricotta salata also offer wonderful substitutes that maintain the Mediterranean character of the dish.
Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe is entirely vegetarian and packed with plant-based ingredients, making it a perfect meat-free option that’s still hearty and satisfying.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese alternative and use nutritional yeast for an extra savory touch. Skip lemon juice if preferred or add a splash of vinegar for acidity.
What pasta shape works best?
Penne and fusilli are top picks because their ridges and hollows catch the flavorful sauce and bits of spinach well, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape that you have on hand.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even sautéed shrimp make excellent additions to boost the protein content and make this an even heartier meal.
Final Thoughts
This Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe is a true keeper—a bright, flavorful dish that comes together swiftly but tastes like you spent hours creating it. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or friends, it’s bound to become a beloved staple, delivering comfort and freshness in every bite. Give it a try soon; your taste buds will thank you!
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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
A flavorful and easy-to-make Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring tender pasta tossed with garlic-sautéed spinach, tangy crumbled feta cheese, and bright lemon zest and juice. This vegetarian recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be customized with additional proteins or greens.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
Seasonings and Extras
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set pasta aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Wilt the spinach: Add fresh baby spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine pasta and spinach: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the spinach and toss to combine evenly.
- Adjust consistency: Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the mixture and help coat the pasta.
- Add feta and lemon: Stir in crumbled feta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss everything well until combined and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm, optionally garnished with extra feta cheese or additional lemon zest for brightness.
Notes
- Substitute baby kale or arugula for the spinach to vary the greens.
- For added protein, toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
