Merken Discover the perfect balance of Mediterranean flavors with this Creamy Feta Spinach Pasta. This dish brings together the saltiness of crumbled feta and the earthy tenderness of fresh baby spinach, all bound together by a velvety sauce. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a light yet satisfying vegetarian meal, this recipe delivers gourmet results in less than 30 minutes.
Merken The secret to this recipe lies in the simple technique of emulsifying pasta water with melted feta and olive oil. As you toss the hot pasta, the cheese softens into a tangy glaze that perfectly coats every penne or fusilli. A touch of garlic and a hint of chili flakes provide a depth of flavor that makes this simple dish truly shine.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- Dairy: 200 g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
- Vegetables: 150 g (5 oz) baby spinach, washed; 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pantry: 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional); Salt, to taste
- Garnish (optional): Zest of 1 lemon; Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Step 2
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring, until wilted (about 2 minutes).
- Step 4
- Add the hot, drained pasta to the skillet with the spinach. Sprinkle in the crumbled feta.
- Step 5
- Pour in about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together vigorously until the feta melts slightly and forms a creamy sauce, adding more pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Step 6
- Season with black pepper, chili flakes (if using), and salt to taste.
- Step 7
- Serve immediately, garnished with lemon zest and fresh herbs if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an even more indulgent experience, you can add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream along with the feta. This creates a thicker, richer sauce that mimics a traditional Alfredo while keeping the signature tang of the Mediterranean cheese.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly versatile. You can swap the baby spinach for arugula or kale for a more peppery or robust bite. For extra bursts of flavor, try stirring in sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even toasted pine nuts before serving.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this pasta warm, ideally in pre-heated bowls to keep the sauce creamy. It pairs exceptionally well with a crisp, chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc and a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce.
Merken With its vibrant colors and bold, fresh flavors, this Creamy Feta Spinach Pasta is a reliable favorite for any home cook. It’s a simple reminder that you don't need complex techniques to create a meal that feels truly special. Enjoy your homemade Mediterranean feast!
