Authentic Mediterranean Greek Pasta with Feta Recipe
This Authentic Mediterranean Greek Pasta with Feta is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining al dente pasta with fresh vegetables, tangy Kalamata olives, fragrant herbs, and creamy feta cheese. Perfect as a light main course or a delightful side, this recipe captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with simple, wholesome ingredients and bright lemon accents.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) penne or fusilli pasta
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
Cheese and Seasonings
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook onions and bell pepper: Add the thinly sliced red onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add tomatoes and olives: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced Kalamata olives. Cook for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down slightly.
- Combine pasta and vegetables: Reduce heat to low, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, and toss well to combine with the vegetable mixture.
- Add cheese and herbs: Gently fold in the crumbled feta, chopped basil, parsley, and dried oregano, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Season: Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing gently.
- Add lemon: Pour in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest, stirring gently to blend the bright citrus flavors throughout the pasta.
- Rest the pasta: Remove the skillet from heat and let the pasta sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally garnished with additional fresh herbs and crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute penne or fusilli with any short pasta shape that holds sauce well.
- For a vegan version, replace feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit entirely.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste preference for acidity.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Warming leftover pasta gently in a skillet or serving cold as a pasta salad are both delicious options.
Keywords: Mediterranean pasta, Greek pasta, pasta with feta, healthy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, easy pasta dishes
