Greek Pasta with Feta & Olives Recipe

Greek Pasta with Feta & Olives is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings the sunny Mediterranean straight to your table. Combining tender pasta with briny Kalamata olives, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese, it’s a perfect blend of textures and tastes that feels both fresh and comforting. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive side for guests, this dish delivers every time, bursting with classic Greek flavors and a lively lemony finish that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create an unforgettable taste experience. Each component plays a vital role, from the savory garlic and onion base to the tangy feta and lively herbs, giving you a dish that’s balanced, colorful, and incredibly satisfying.

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice): Provides the hearty foundation for this dish, with shapes that hold sauce perfectly.
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and brings all the flavors together smoothly.
• 2 cloves garlic minced: Infuses a fragrant punch that awakens every bite.
• ½ small red onion finely chopped: Introduces a mild sweetness and crunch to complement the soft pasta.
• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes halved: Bursting with juiciness, they brighten the dish with natural acidity.
• ½ cup Kalamata olives sliced: Offers a salty, briny depth characteristic of Greek cuisine.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Imparts a zesty freshness that balances the richness of the feta.
• 1 tsp lemon zest: Adds a vibrant citrus aroma and flavor lift.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Brings earthiness and a Mediterranean herbaceous note.
• ½ tsp dried basil: Enhances the freshness with sweet herbal undertones.
• ¼ tsp salt or to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
• ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and spice balance.
• ½ cup feta cheese crumbled: The star ingredient that provides creaminess and tang.
• ½ cup reserved pasta water if needed for sauce: Helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
• Fresh basil for garnish, optional: Offers a fresh, herbal pop to finish the plate beautifully.

How to Make Greek Pasta with Feta & Olives

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—this ensures your pasta is seasoned from the inside out. Add your chosen pasta shape, like penne or fusilli, and cook it according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente, meaning still slightly firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and remember to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water; this little trick is key to making your sauce silky and well-blended.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped red onion, stirring frequently as they soften and release their delicious aromas. This step takes about 2 minutes—just enough time for the flavors to develop and create a savory base that will make your Greek Pasta with Feta & Olives sing.

Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, allowing them to cook for 4 to 5 minutes. As they soften, they’ll start to gently burst, releasing their sweet juices and adding vibrant color to the dish. Stir them occasionally so they cook evenly and mix well with the garlic and onions, resulting in a fresh, luscious sauce foundation.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now it’s time to bring all your ingredients together. Add the cooked pasta straight into the skillet with the tomato mixture. Stir in the sliced Kalamata olives, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. The flavors start to marry instantly, creating that classic Greek harmony. If the mixture appears dry, gradually pour in the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, making every strand of pasta flavorful and well-coated.

Step 5: Add the Feta and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese. This is where your Greek Pasta with Feta & Olives truly comes alive, as the creamy, tangy feta melts slightly into the warm pasta. For a fresh final touch, sprinkle chopped fresh basil and drizzle a bit more olive oil if you like. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its flavorful peak.

How to Serve Greek Pasta with Feta & Olives

Garnishes

Elevate your dish by adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a burst of color and aroma. A few whole olives or extra crumbles of feta on top add an inviting look and give a hint of what lies beneath. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving enhances the richness and shine of the pasta.

Side Dishes

Greek Pasta with Feta & Olives pairs beautifully with light, crisp salads for contrast, such as a traditional Greek salad or simple cucumber and tomato salad with a lemon vinaigrette. You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or seafood for a more complete meal, balancing the tangy, salty pasta flavors with smoky, savory proteins.

Creative Ways to Present

For a lovely dinner presentation, try serving the pasta in individual bowls topped with edible flowers or thin lemon slices for visual charm. You can also stuff it into roasted bell peppers or layer it in a casserole dish and briefly bake until warm and bubbly. These creative touches make Greek Pasta with Feta & Olives just as special to look at as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Greek Pasta with Feta & Olives should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and is best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making your next meal even tastier. Just be sure to keep it covered to maintain moisture and freshness.

Freezing

While freezing pasta dishes with feta isn’t always ideal due to changes in texture, you can freeze this dish if necessary. Place it in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. To minimize texture changes, it’s best to undercook the pasta slightly before freezing and add fresh feta after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat Greek Pasta with Feta & Olives gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil as needed to keep it from drying out. Stir occasionally until warmed through, and add a fresh crumble of feta after reheating to revive that creamy, tangy finish.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for Greek Pasta with Feta & Olives?

Absolutely! While penne or fusilli hold the sauce nicely, you can use spaghetti, rotini, or even farfalle depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Definitely yes. Greek Pasta with Feta & Olives contains no meat and makes a hearty, protein-rich vegetarian meal thanks to the feta cheese and olives.

How can I make the dish vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit it altogether, and be sure to use pasta without eggs.

Can I prepare Greek Pasta with Feta & Olives ahead of time?

You can prepare the components in advance and combine them just before serving to keep the textures fresh and the flavors vibrant.

What wine pairs well with Greek Pasta with Feta & Olives?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir complements the tanginess of the feta and the briny olives beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s simple, fresh, and bursting with Mediterranean charm, Greek Pasta with Feta & Olives should be at the top of your list. It’s a delightful marriage of textures and bright flavors that’s easy to prepare but feels wonderfully special. Trust me, once you try it, this vibrant recipe will become a favorite friend in your cooking repertoire.

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