Greek Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Olive Oil Recipe
Introduction
Greek Spaghetti is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the freshness of Mediterranean ingredients with simple pasta. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a light, satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 small red onion (finely diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ⅓ cup pitted kalamata olives (sliced)
- 4 oz crumbled feta cheese
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced)
- Optional: fresh chopped basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, drain the rest, then toss the pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced red onion until soft and translucent.
- Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and the remaining olive oil. Cook for several minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- Step 5: Add the fresh baby spinach to the pan and cook until it wilts.
- Step 6: Mix in the sliced kalamata olives, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to blend the flavors.
- Step 7: Remove the skillet from heat and add the cooked spaghetti. Toss everything together to coat the pasta well with the vegetable mixture.
- Step 8: Fold in the crumbled feta cheese and sliced fresh basil leaves, tossing gently to combine.
- Step 9: Garnish with additional fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Substitute baby spinach for arugula for a peppery twist.
- Use fresh oregano instead of dried for a brighter herb taste.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of the reserved pasta water when tossing the pasta to loosen the sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a little olive oil or reserved pasta water to restore moisture. The spinach will soften further upon reheating, so enjoy fresh when possible.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other long pastas like linguine or fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne for a different texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This recipe includes feta cheese, which is not vegan. To make it vegan, omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
PrintGreek Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Olive Oil Recipe
This Greek Spaghetti recipe combines al dente pasta with a vibrant medley of sautéed vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and Mediterranean flavors like kalamata olives, oregano, and fresh basil. It’s a delightful, light, and easy-to-make dish perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tossing pasta)
Vegetables & Flavorings
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ⅓ cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced
Cheese & Herbs
- 4 oz crumbled feta cheese
- 4–5 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Optional: fresh chopped basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the rest. Toss the drained pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Sauté onions: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced red onion and sauté until soft and translucent, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan. Sauté for several minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices, about 5 minutes.
- Wilt spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season and combine: Stir in the sliced kalamata olives, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Cook for an additional 1 minute to meld the flavors.
- Combine pasta and vegetables: Remove the skillet from heat and add the cooked spaghetti to the vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and vegetables.
- Add cheese and basil: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and sliced fresh basil leaves over the pasta. Toss once more to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the Greek spaghetti garnished with additional fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately for a fresh and vibrant meal.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
- For a vegan version, omit feta or substitute with vegan feta.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Fresh herbs like dill or oregano can also be used as garnish for variation.
Keywords: Greek spaghetti, Mediterranean pasta, feta pasta, spinach pasta, kalamata olives, easy Greek recipe, vegetarian pasta
