Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Greek Pasta with Feta & Olives is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the fresh, tangy, and savory elements of Mediterranean cuisine to your table. Featuring briny Kalamata olives, creamy feta cheese, and a touch of garlic and herbs, this pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a refreshing lunch. It’s light, satisfying, and comes together in just minutes.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
pastafeta cheese (crumbled)Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)cherry tomatoes (halved)red onion (thinly sliced)garlic (minced)olive oillemon juicefresh oregano or dried oreganofresh parsley (chopped)salt and black pepper
directions
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and red onion until soft and fragrant.
Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
Stir in the Kalamata olives and cooked pasta, tossing to combine.
Remove from heat and stir in crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, and oregano.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes
Variations
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as desired.
Incorporate spinach or arugula for added greens.
Top with toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch.
Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh for a deeper flavor.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen if needed.Best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes, it also works well as a pasta salad when chilled.
What kind of pasta is best?
Short pastas like penne, rotini, or fusilli hold the ingredients well.
Is feta cheese necessary?
Feta is traditional, but you can substitute with goat cheese or leave it out for a dairy-free option.
How do I make it vegan?
Use a plant-based feta alternative or omit the cheese entirely.
Can I use black olives instead of Kalamata?
Yes, though the flavor will be milder.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking?
Toss it with a bit of olive oil after draining if not using immediately.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well and tastes great even the next day.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
No, cherry tomatoes work well as-is.
What herbs pair best?
Fresh oregano and parsley are ideal, but basil also works nicely.
Is this dish spicy?
No, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
Conclusion
Greek Pasta with Feta & Olives is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your table. Its combination of tangy, salty, and herbaceous elements makes it a delicious and versatile meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is to love. Perfect for busy nights or summer gatherings, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
PrintGreek Pasta with Feta & Olives
A Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring tangy feta cheese, briny Kalamata olives, and a blend of fresh herbs, perfect for a quick and flavorful 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
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red onion, sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the olives and oregano, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Remove from heat and stir in the feta cheese and parsley.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.
- Can be served cold as a pasta salad.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg