
Craving a Mediterranean-inspired meal thatโs both easy to make and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors?
This Greek pasta with feta is the perfect solution.
Featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, creamy feta cheese, and a blend of aromatic herbs, this dish brings together the best of Greek cuisine in a simple yet satisfying way.
This pasta dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or even a cold pasta salad for summer gatherings.
With a combination of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, itโs a recipe thatโs as delicious as it is nutritious.
Letโs dive into how to make this Mediterranean favorite.
Why Youโll Love This Greek Pasta Recipe
- Quick and easy – ready in under 30 minutes
- Made with simple, fresh ingredients
- Bursting with Mediterranean flavors
- Perfect for meal prep or a light dinner
Ingredients Youโll Need
To make this flavorful Greek pasta with feta, youโll need the following ingredients:
- Pasta โ Penne, fusilli, or any short pasta works best
- Feta Cheese โ Crumbled for a creamy, tangy taste
- Cherry Tomatoes โ Adds sweetness and juiciness
- Kalamata Olives โ Provides a briny, authentic Greek flavor
- Garlic & Red Onion โ Enhances depth of flavor
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil โ The base of the sauce
- Lemon Juice & Zest โ Adds brightness and freshness
- Dried Oregano & Basil โ Classic Greek herbs
- Salt & Black Pepper โ To taste
- Optional Add-ins โ Spinach, grilled chicken, or chickpeas for extra protein
How to Make Greek Pasta with Feta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about ยฝ cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red onion, sautรฉing for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to burst.
Step 3: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato mixture.
- Stir in the Kalamata olives, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
- If needed, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to melt slightly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh basil and an extra drizzle of olive oil.
- Serve immediately as a warm dish or chill for a refreshing pasta salad.
Tips for the Best Greek Pasta
- Use high-quality feta โ Authentic Greek feta made from sheepโs milk has the best flavor and texture.
- Let the flavors meld โ Allow the pasta to sit for about 10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Adjust seasoning to taste โ If you prefer a tangier dish, add extra lemon juice. If you like more spice, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes.
- Make it a complete meal โ Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
What to Serve with Greek Pasta
This pasta dish pairs well with a variety of Mediterranean sides:
- Warm pita bread or garlic bread for dipping into the sauce
- A Greek salad with cucumbers, red onion, and a lemon dressing
- A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Enjoy cold as a pasta salad, or warm it in a skillet with a splash of olive oil.
- Meal Prep: This dish is great for make-ahead lunches and holds up well in the fridge.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make excellent additions.
Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
While feta gives it a classic Greek flavor, you can substitute with goat cheese or ricotta salata for a similar taste.
Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives (25-Minutes)
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ยฝ small red onion finely chopped
- 1 ยฝ cups cherry tomatoes halved
- ยฝ cup Kalamata olives sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ยฝ tsp dried basil
- ยผ tsp salt or to taste
- ยผ tsp black pepper
- ยฝ cup feta cheese crumbled
- ยฝ cup reserved pasta water if needed for sauce
- Fresh basil for garnish, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving about ยฝ cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Sautรฉ the Aromatics
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped red onion. Sautรฉ for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften and burst.
- Stir occasionally to allow even cooking.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Stir in the Kalamata olives, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
- If the mixture looks dry, gradually stir in reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Step 5: Add the Feta and Serve
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese. Stir gently.
- Garnish with fresh basil and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!