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Feta pasta with spinach and burst cherry tomatoes is an easy meal that you can have on the table in 30 minutes! The entire family is going to devour this one!
By now, chances are we have all either tried or are aware of the viral TikTok trend that is feta pasta. The original recipe is easy enough – just bake the feta and cherry tomatoes until you can mash them together into a tangy, creamy pasta sauce.
This easy recipe amps up the already addictive quality of the trend by adding yogurt for texture, spinach for nutrients and pepperoncini for a little heat.
What is in this Spinach Feta Pasta with Tomatoes
We’re using simple ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store to make this creamy feta pasta. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pasta. The pasta you see pictured here is called mafaldine. I love the cool shape, but you can use any kind of pasta that you like. Penne pasta is a popular choice.
- Quality feta cheese. The type of feta cheese you use for this recipe will really matter, as it is the primary flavor. We want big flavor! Go for a brick of feta cheese in brine (no crumbles), and don’t be afraid to pay a few extra dollars for a really great brand of Greek or Israeli feta. You can find my all-time favorite feta brand here.
- Yogurt. Either plain or Greek yogurt will work. And yes, you can even go for the low fat version in this recipe.
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh baby spinach
- Pepperoncini peppers
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Sugar
- Dried oregano
How to make Feta Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach
Bake the Feta
Our feta pasta begins the same way that the social media trend does – in the oven.
Bake the feta block and tomatoes together in a baking dish. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano and sugar. The sugar will help to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Bake them until the tomatoes begin to burst, about 15-20 minutes.
Cook the Pasta
Cook your pasta of choice to an al dente texture.
Before you drain the pasta, be sure to reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water. You’ll need it when we create the creamy sauce.
Create the Creamy Feta Sauce
Once your feta cheese block and tomatoes are cooked, we’re going to create the creamy sauce.
Place the baked feta into a pan with the yogurt and pepperoncini peppers. Stir them together until you have a smooth sauce.
Adding reserved pasta water will be the final step in creating the sauce – don’t forget to reserve the pasta water!
Just before you serve this feta pasta, mix in the fresh spinach. It will wilt almost immediately. Then use the roasted tomatoes as garnish.
How to Serve Spinach Feta Pasta with Tomatoes
- Fresh Herbs Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil, parsley or dill on top of the feta pasta just before serving. This adds a burst of freshness and complements the flavors of the dish.
- Extra Heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish to add even more kick to the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for an extra layer of savory goodness.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the feta pasta for a sweet and tangy contrast. This adds a cool depth of flavor to the dish.
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Serve the feta pasta with slices of crusty bread or fresh garlic bread on the side. It’s perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Fresh Lemon Wedges: Squeezing a bit of fresh lemon juice or grating a little lemon zest over the pasta just before eating can brighten the flavors.
- Side Salad: Accompany the feta pasta with a simple side salad. A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pasta.
- Wine Pairing: Pair this dish with a light and crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity of the wine will balance the richness of this pasta dish.
Variations on this Feta Pasta Recipe with Spinach and Tomatoes
- Mediterranean Twist: Add sliced black olives, chopped artichoke hearts chopped sun dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
- Pesto Perfection: Stir in a few tablespoons of basil pesto for an extra burst of flavor.
- Protein Boost: Top the pasta with grilled chicken, shrimp, or your favorite protein for a more balanced meal.
How to Store Feta Pasta
If you have leftovers, the best way to store them is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftovers will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.
The next time you want to enjoy them, reheat in the microwave or, for best results, on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain the dish’s creamy consistency.
Note: A good thing to do is store the pasta separately from the sauce, if possible.
Does feta cheese melt?
The short answer is no. Not completely. Feta cheese will get soft and spreadable when you bake or grill it, but it will not melt completely.
This is why I love adding yogurt and a little bit of starchy pasta water. It helps to smooth out the feta into a more cohesive sauce.
When you make this feta pasta recipe with spinach and burst tomatoes, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy!
For more easy pasta recipes, try these:
- Spicy Cajun Alfredo Recipe
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy Crockpot Recipe)
- One Pan Lemon Caper Pasta with White Wine
Feta Pasta Recipe with Spinach and Burst Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 12 oz. mafaldine pasta
- 8 oz. feta cheese in brine
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 tsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Place the brick of feta and tomatoes into a small baking dish. Sprinkle with oregano, sugar and extra-virgin olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until tomatoes burst and feta is soft and edges turn golden brown.
- While the feta is baking, cook pasta in a large pot of lightly salted water according to package directions for al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- Place the baked feta, yogurt and pepperoncinis into a large skillet over medium heat. Stir until smooth. Slowly add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.Add the cooked pasta back in and coat with the feta sauce.
- Before serving, stir in the spinach leaves until they wilt, 1-2 minutes. Garnish with the roasted tomatoes and freshly cracked black pepper.
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