Creamy Feta Spinach Pasta

Indulge in a Mediterranean classic with this Creamy Feta Spinach Pasta. This dish features a luscious combination of crumbled feta cheese and tender baby spinach, tossed in a velvety, tangy sauce created effortlessly with starchy pasta water. It is a satisfying, vegetarian meal that brings gourmet flavors to your table in less than 30 minutes.

Merken

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By using the cooking water from the pasta, you transform simple cheese into a luxurious sauce that perfectly coats every bite of greens and noodles.

Ingredients

• 400 g (14 oz) dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
• 200 g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 150 g (5 oz) baby spinach, washed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional garnish)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

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

To achieve extra creaminess, you can stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a small splash of heavy cream along with the feta. Make sure to reserve the pasta water before draining, as the starch is essential for the sauce consistency.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily customize this dish by swapping the spinach for arugula or kale. For a more intense flavor profile, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the skillet along with the garlic.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this pasta immediately while warm. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc and a fresh side salad. Don't forget the lemon zest garnish for a bright, citrusy finish.

Merken

With its vibrant colors and rich textures, this Feta Spinach Pasta is a wonderful addition to your recipe rotation. Simple, fresh, and delicious!