Introduction

Craving a vibrant, satisfying meal in a flash? This Easy 20-Min Mediterranean Pasta with Feta & Spinach is your answer. It combines juicy tomatoes, fresh spinach, and creamy feta cheese for a dish bursting with classic Mediterranean flavors. For another quick pasta idea, try this Greek Orzo with Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe. It’s a simple, one-pan dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

This vibrant Mediterranean pasta comes together with a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients that create a bright and tangy dish with a satisfying texture.

• 10 oz farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 oz grape tomatoes (red and yellow), sliced in half
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 5 oz fresh spinach, chopped
• 6 oz crumbled feta cheese
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This Mediterranean Pasta with Feta Cheese, Spinach, Garlic, and Cherry Tomatoes comes together in about 25 minutes, making it roughly 20% faster than many similar pasta recipes that require longer simmering or prep work.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep Your Ingredients

Mince the garlic cloves. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Roughly chop the fresh spinach. Crumble the feta cheese. Having everything ready makes the quick cooking process seamless.

Step 2 — Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.

Step 3 — Sauté Garlic & Tomatoes

While the pasta cooks, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add the cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and blister, about 4-5 minutes. This releases their sweet juices to form the sauce base.

Step 4 — Wilt the Spinach

Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Use tongs to gently toss it with the tomatoes and garlic. Cook just until the spinach is fully wilted, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5 — Combine Pasta & Sauce

Add the drained al dente pasta directly to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything to combine thoroughly. If the mixture seems dry, add the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until a light, glossy sauce coats the pasta.

Step 6 — Add Cheese & Season

Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in most of the crumbled feta cheese, letting the residual heat soften it. Season generously with freshly cracked black pepper and taste for salt.

Step 7 — Serve Immediately

Divide the Mediterranean pasta among warm bowls. Top with the remaining crumbled feta, a final drizzle of good olive oil, and fresh herbs like basil or oregano if desired. Enjoy hot for the best texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information

Calories	Approx. 520 kcal
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	65g
Fat	22g
Fiber	6g
Sodium	680mg

This Mediterranean pasta with feta cheese, spinach, garlic, and cherry tomatoes is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K from the fresh vegetables.

Note: Estimates are based on typical ingredients and serving size; values may vary with specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

This versatile Mediterranean pasta with feta cheese, spinach, garlic, and cherry tomatoes can be easily adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Here are some simple swaps to try.

• Protein Alternative — Replace the feta with grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier, protein-packed meal.
• Lower-Carb Option — Use spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta for a lighter, veggie-forward dish.
• Dairy-Free Version — Swap the feta cheese for a dairy-free alternative or use creamy, marinated tofu for a similar tangy, salty profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation — Choose your favorite gluten-free pasta, such as one made from brown rice or lentils, to keep the classic texture.
• Low-Sodium Twist — Opt for low-sodium feta or a fresh, unsalted cheese like ricotta salata to control the salt content without losing creaminess.
• Extra Greens Boost — Add a handful of arugula or kale along with the spinach for a more complex, peppery flavor and added nutrients.
• Herb Infusion — Stir in a tablespoon of pesto or fresh chopped herbs like dill or mint at the end for a vibrant, aromatic lift.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this vibrant Mediterranean Pasta with Feta Cheese, Spinach, Garlic, and Cherry Tomatoes with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a light, complete meal.
• Serve it alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or lamb chops to add a hearty protein, making it perfect for a summer dinner party.
• For a casual lunch, enjoy it slightly chilled or at room temperature as part of a picnic or potluck spread.
• Transform leftovers into a delicious pasta salad by adding chickpeas, chopped cucumbers, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
• Plate this pasta in a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the colorful cherry tomatoes and vibrant green spinach. Garnish with extra crumbled feta and fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
• It makes an excellent vegetarian main course for a weeknight dinner, requiring only some crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce.
• Consider this dish for a festive, meatless Monday or a bright addition to a buffet table during the warmer months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using pre-crumbled feta, which often contains anti-caking agents and lacks flavor. Fix: Always buy a block of high-quality feta cheese in brine and crumble it yourself just before serving.
• Mistake: Overcooking the garlic, which turns it bitter and can ruin the entire sauce. Fix: Add minced garlic to the oil for only 30-60 seconds, just until fragrant, before adding other ingredients.
• Mistake: Adding raw spinach to hot pasta and letting it wilt into a soggy, watery mess. Fix: Briefly sauté the spinach with the garlic-tomato mixture to evaporate excess moisture and concentrate its flavor.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the pasta water, resulting in bland noodles that the sauce can’t fix. Fix: Salt the boiling water until it tastes like the sea—about 1-2 tablespoons per large pot—before adding the pasta.
• Mistake: Dumping all the cherry tomatoes in at once, causing some to burst into mush while others remain undercooked. Fix: Halve the tomatoes and add them in two batches for a mix of softened texture and fresh, bright pops.
• Mistake: Pouring out all the starchy pasta water, which is essential for creating a silky, cohesive sauce. Fix: Reserve at least 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining to help emulsify the sauce.
• Mistake: Serving the dish immediately after mixing, not allowing the flavors to meld. Fix: Let the finished Mediterranean pasta with feta cheese, spinach, garlic, and cherry tomatoes rest for 5 minutes off the heat before serving.
• Mistake: Using a bland, refined olive oil for the sauté. Fix: Choose a robust, extra-virgin olive oil as it’s a primary flavor carrier in this simple dish.
• Mistake: Neglecting to toast the pasta. Fix: Briefly toast the dry pasta in the pan with a little oil before adding water for a deeper, nuttier flavor base.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover Mediterranean pasta with feta cheese, spinach, garlic, and cherry tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it has cooled to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 2 months. Note that the texture of the spinach and tomatoes may soften slightly upon thawing.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat refrigerated portions gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce. Microwave in a covered, microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally. Ensure the reheated pasta reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

For optimal flavor and texture, add a fresh sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese just before serving reheated portions.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Pasta with Feta Cheese, Spinach, Garlic, and Cherry Tomatoes is a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that comes together in minutes. We hope you love this easy dish as much as we do! Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments. For more delicious ideas, check out our Chicken Feta Pasta Recipe or Stuffed Shells with Ricotta, Spinach, and Pine Nuts Recipe.

Print

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese in this Mediterranean Pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the feta. Goat cheese or ricotta salata would work well. For the best flavor, stick with a brined or tangy cheese that complements the garlic and tomatoes in this Mediterranean Pasta with Feta Cheese, Spinach, Garlic, and Cherry Tomatoes.

How do I prevent the spinach from becoming soggy?

Add the fresh spinach at the very end, just before serving. The residual heat from the hot pasta and sauce will wilt it perfectly without making it mushy. This keeps the texture vibrant in your Mediterranean Pasta.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it stores well for 3-4 days in the fridge. For best results, store the components separately if possible, and add fresh spinach when reheating. The flavors of the garlic and tomatoes often improve overnight.