Description
This Authentic Mediterranean Greek Pasta with Feta combines al dente penne or fusilli pasta with vibrant vegetables, Kalamata olives, and creamy crumbled feta cheese. Enhanced with fresh herbs and a bright lemon zest and juice finish, this dish captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors in a simple, quick-to-make pasta recipe perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz (340g) penne or fusilli pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook onions and peppers: Add the thinly sliced red onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add tomatoes and olives: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced Kalamata olives. Cook for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down slightly.
- Combine pasta and vegetables: Reduce heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to combine with the vegetable mixture.
- Add cheese and herbs: Fold in crumbled feta cheese, chopped basil, parsley, and dried oregano carefully to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Season: Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Add lemon zest and juice: Pour in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest. Stir well to ensure all flavors meld together beautifully.
- Rest the pasta: Remove from heat and let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes. This allows the flavors to marry and the feta to soften slightly.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm or at room temperature. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and additional feta cheese if desired for an appealing presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute penne or fusilli with other sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni or farfalle.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- This dish can be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad if refrigerated after cooling.
- Use fresh oregano instead of dried for a more vibrant herb flavor if available.
- Ensure the feta cheese is of good quality for the best creamy texture and flavor.
