Save This Creamy Feta Spinach Pasta is a Mediterranean-inspired delight that transforms simple pantry staples into a luscious, gourmet-style meal. With the salty tang of crumbled feta and the earthy freshness of baby spinach, every forkful is perfectly balanced. The secret to its velvety texture lies in the starchy pasta water, creating a rich sauce without the need for heavy cream.
Save Whether you're looking for a swift weeknight dinner or a light yet comforting weekend lunch, this dish delivers on both flavor and convenience. The way the feta gently melts into the pasta water creates a signature tang that pairs beautifully with the subtle heat of chili flakes.
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 (for garnish)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil the Pasta
- 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: Sauté the Garlic
- 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: Wilt the Spinach
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring, until wilted (about 2 minutes).
- Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Add the hot, drained pasta to the skillet with the spinach. Sprinkle in the crumbled feta.
- Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
- 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 to Taste
- Season with black pepper, chili flakes (if using), and salt to taste.
- Step 7: Final Flourish
- Serve immediately, garnished with lemon zest and fresh herbs if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best results, make sure your pasta is still hot when adding it to the skillet with the feta. The residual heat is essential for melting the cheese into a smooth emulsion with the pasta water. Don't be afraid to use a bit more pasta water than you think; it will continue to be absorbed by the noodles as you serve.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize this dish by adding sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a burst of sweetness. If you want an even richer texture, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream along with the feta. For those who prefer different greens, arugula or kale make excellent substitutes for the baby spinach.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish in warm bowls to keep the sauce silky. The addition of fresh lemon zest provides a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the feta. For the ultimate dining experience, pair this pasta with a crisp white wine such as a chilled Sauvignon Blanc.
Save This Creamy Feta Spinach Pasta is a testament to the beauty of simple cooking. By focusing on high-quality ingredients and a few smart techniques, you can create a meal that is both comforting and sophisticated. Enjoy your homemade Mediterranean masterpiece!
Recipe FAQs
- → Why is pasta water essential for this dish?
Pasta water contains starches that emulsify with olive oil and feta, creating a naturally creamy sauce without heavy cream. It also helps the feta melt smoothly into a coating rather than clumping.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
This pasta is best served immediately after combining for optimal texture. However, you can prep ingredients in advance—cook pasta, wilt spinach, and mince garlic ahead, then assemble just before serving.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Penne, fusilli, and spaghetti all work well. Choose shapes that hold sauce effectively—tubular or spiral pastas catch the creamy feta coating beautifully compared to flat varieties.
- → How do I prevent the feta from becoming grainy?
Keep heat moderate and toss vigorously with pasta water to help feta melt into a smooth sauce. Adding the feta off-heat or with reserved warm pasta water prevents overcooking and graininess.
- → What vegetables can I substitute for spinach?
Arugula, kale, or even broccoli rabe work well. Heartier greens like kale need an extra minute to wilt. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or sautéed zucchini for variety.
- → Is this dish naturally dairy-free or vegan?
No, this recipe contains feta cheese and uses traditional pasta. To make it vegan, substitute dairy-free cheese alternatives or use nutritional yeast combined with olive oil for a similar creamy, tangy flavor.