Spinach, Tomato & Feta Pasta (Fast, Fresh, Weeknight-Easy!)
This is one of those pastas you make when you want something comforting but not heavy. Perfect noodles, juicy tomatoes, spinach that just barely wilts, and salty feta melting into everything. It’s fast, simple, relaxed, and the kind of dinner that feels like a deep exhale at the end of the day!
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 packed cups fresh spinach
- ½ tsp kosher salt (plus more for the pasta water)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¾ cup crumbled feta
- Zest of ½ lemon (optional, but bright and happy;)
- Reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a big pot of well-salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti until just al dente, scoop out some pasta water and drain.
- Warm the olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and let it sizzle gently for about 30 seconds, just until your kitchen smells amazing.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let them cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring now and then, until they soften and get juicy.
- Add the spinach a handful at a time, letting it wilt down into the tomatoes. It looks like a lot at first, but it will shrink!
- Add the cooked pasta straight into the skillet and toss everything together. Splash in a little reserved pasta water until everything looks glossy and cozy. (Adding a splash of reserved pasta water brings everything together.. it turns the oil and tomato juices into a light, silky sauce that hugs the noodles instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl.)
- Take the pan off the heat and gently fold in the feta and lemon zest.
- Taste and adjust as needed
- Serve warm with extra feta on top and maybe a glass of wine if the day calls for it.;)
Variations
- A splash of a dry white wine adds an extra rich and fancy layer to this dish. Learn why here!
- If you want it extra comforting and rich, stir in a small hunk of butter at the end.
- This pasta is fantastic with grilled chicken or shrimp, but it absolutely holds its own without them.
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze on top makes it feel a little fancy with zero extra effort.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully – just add a splash of water and warm gently.
- If you want some extra depth to it, use a flavored infused olive oil like Spicy Calabrian, Tuscan, Basil,Thyme or Oregano!
If you love quick, cozy pasta meals, try our legendary One Pot Lasagna Pasta, this gooey One Pot French Onion Pasta and this One Pot Creamy Feta, Lemon, Chicken & Rice!
