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Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives Recipe

Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives Recipe

5 from 5 reviews

This Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines al dente pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy Kalamata olives, aromatic garlic and herbs, and creamy crumbled feta cheese. A perfect Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)

Sauce and Flavoring

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ½ small red onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives (sliced)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Finishing

  • ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed for sauce)
  • Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  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 ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped red onion. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
  3. Cook the Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and burst, releasing their sweet juices.
  4. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the tomatoes and aromatics. Stir in the sliced Kalamata olives, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. If the mixture seems dry, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help everything coat the pasta evenly.
  5. Add the Feta and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your Greek-inspired pasta dish!

Notes

  • For best flavor, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh garlic.
  • You can substitute Kalamata olives with black olives if preferred.
  • Adjust the amount of salt based on your taste and the saltiness of the feta cheese.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
  • Fresh basil garnish is optional but adds a nice herbal aroma and color.
  • If you want a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic and onion.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek pasta recipe, feta pasta, Mediterranean pasta, pasta with olives and tomatoes, vegetarian Greek pasta