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Spinach and Feta Pasta

This quick and satisfying spinach and feta pasta is cooked entirely in one pot, combining tender pasta with wilted green spinach, salty feta, and fragrant garlic. The dish has a creamy, vibrant appearance with a slightly saucy texture that’s perfect for busy nights or comforting meals. It’s a simple, flavorful dish that comes together in minutes, offering a burst of salty, fresh flavor in every bite.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Western
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach roughly a handful per person
  • 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil good quality
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for brightness
  • to taste salt & pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of starchy pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers and begins to gently ripple, about 1 minute. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, just starting to turn golden around the edges, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  3. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with garlic, tossing quickly to coat the noodles evenly with the fragrant oil and garlic. If the skillet seems dry, splash in a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture.
  4. Gradually add the fresh spinach in batches, stirring constantly until each batch wilts down and turns a vibrant green, about 1-2 minutes. Keep stirring until all the spinach is wilted and evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
  5. Crumble the feta cheese over the pasta and spinach, then gently toss to distribute. Continue tossing until the feta begins to melt into the mixture, creating a creamy, slightly saucy texture. If needed, add a splash more of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce further.
  6. Finish the dish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, keeping in mind the feta’s saltiness.
  7. Remove from heat and let sit for 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve hot, garnished with extra feta or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.