When I first discovered this Greek-inspired pasta recipe, it instantly became a favorite in my kitchen. I love dishes that bring together bold flavors without requiring hours of preparation, and this one checks all the boxes. The combination of tangy feta, briny olives, and fresh herbs creates a vibrant taste that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Every time I make it, the colors and aromas alone are enough to brighten up any meal.
You will love this recipe because it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. Despite its simplicity, it feels gourmet and indulgent. The feta adds a creamy, slightly salty dimension, while the olives give a punch of Mediterranean flavor. It’s a dish that delights both the eyes and the palate, and it often inspires compliments from friends and family.
One of the best things about this Greek pasta is its versatility. You can serve it hot as a comforting dinner or chilled as a light, summery pasta salad. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables, and it can easily be doubled to feed a crowd. You can also experiment by adding your favorite vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini, making it a recipe that adapts to whatever you have in your kitchen.
This recipe is also incredibly affordable. Most of the ingredients, like pasta, olives, and feta, are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store. There’s no need for expensive or hard-to-find items, yet it still delivers a rich, layered flavor that feels special. It’s perfect for home cooks who want a delicious, satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Ingredients:
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300g pasta of your choice
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150g feta cheese, crumbled
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100g olives, pitted and sliced
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1 small red onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Salt, to taste
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Optional: cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini for extra freshness
How to Prepare This Recipe
Preparing this Greek pasta is straightforward, and it only takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. The key is to layer flavors while keeping the process simple. With just a few steps, you can create a vibrant, flavorful dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta and reserve about half a cup of the pasta water for later use.
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Prepare the Aromatics: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant, making sure it does not burn.
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Add the Olives and Herbs: Stir in the sliced olives and dried oregano. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This step enhances the Mediterranean aroma and gives the dish its distinctive taste.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to combine. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the pasta is coated in a light, flavorful sauce.
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Incorporate Feta: Remove the skillet from heat and crumble the feta cheese over the pasta. Toss gently to distribute the feta evenly. The residual heat will slightly soften the cheese, creating a creamy texture that complements the briny olives.
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Optional Add-Ins: At this point, you can add cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, or zucchini for extra freshness and nutrition. Simply fold them in until just warmed through.
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Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Transfer to a serving dish, and optionally garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added color and flavor.
This recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy evenings. You can customize it by switching the type of pasta or adding other Mediterranean ingredients such as roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts. It’s versatile enough to satisfy different tastes, yet simple enough for beginners to follow with confidence.
Greek pasta with feta and olives has proven popular with many people, whether served as a weeknight dinner or a dish for entertaining. The combination of tangy feta, briny olives, and aromatic herbs ensures every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
PrintGreek Pasta with Feta and Olives (25-Minutes)
This Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives is a quick, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold. It combines tangy feta, briny olives, and aromatic herbs to create a satisfying meal in just 25 minutes. Perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or a light lunch, this recipe is versatile, affordable, and easy to customize.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 300g pasta of your choice
- 150g feta cheese, crumbled
- 100g olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini for extra freshness
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding burning.
- Stir in the sliced olives and dried oregano. Cook 2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat evenly. Gradually add reserved pasta water if the mixture is dry.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Crumble feta cheese over the pasta and toss gently to combine.
- Optional: Fold in cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini until just warmed through.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving dish. Optional: drizzle olive oil or sprinkle fresh herbs for garnish.
Notes
This pasta is best served immediately, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Adjust the amount of feta or olives based on personal preference.
For a lighter version, add more fresh vegetables or substitute half the pasta with whole-grain options.
FAQs
1. Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or enjoy it cold as a pasta salad.
2. What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle works well because it holds the sauce and feta crumbles nicely. However, spaghetti or linguine can also be used for a slightly different texture.
3. Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
While feta is traditional and adds the signature tang, you can substitute with goat cheese or ricotta salata for a milder flavor. Keep in mind that feta has a firmer texture that complements the olives perfectly.
4. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is fully vegetarian as it contains no meat or poultry. The combination of feta, olives, and pasta provides plenty of protein and flavor.
5. Can I add vegetables or protein?
Absolutely. Cherry tomatoes, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work well. For extra protein, grilled chicken or turkey bacon can be added without compromising the Mediterranean flavor.
6. How can I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Reserve some pasta water when draining the pasta and add it gradually to the skillet. This helps create a light, cohesive sauce and keeps the pasta moist.
7. Can I make it vegan?
To make this vegan, replace feta with a plant-based cheese alternative and ensure your pasta contains no eggs. Olive oil, herbs, and vegetables will still deliver a delicious Mediterranean flavor.