Name: Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives (25-Minutes) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice); 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 cloves garlic (minced); ½ small red onion (finely chopped); 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved); ½ cup Kalamata olives (sliced); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp dried basil; ¼ tsp salt (or to taste); ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled); ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed for sauce); Fresh basil (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Get ready for a Mediterranean escape in your own kitchen with this Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives (25-Minutes). Vibrant cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, creamy feta, and fresh herbs come together in a symphony of flavors, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is a go-to for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for last-minute guests—it’s satisfying, colorful, and seriously crave-worthy. Get ready for a dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious!

Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives (25-Minutes) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives (25-Minutes) is how it transforms simple, quality ingredients into something that tastes like a celebration. Each element plays a role in balancing bright, tangy, fresh, and salty notes for a dish that sings with every bite.

Pasta (12 oz penne, fusilli, or your choice): Choose any short-shaped pasta you love—they’ll hold all the flavorful bits perfectly.
Extra virgin olive oil (2 tbsp): The foundation for your sauce, giving richness and a signature Mediterranean flair.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides aromatic depth that infuses the entire dish.
Red onion (1/2 small, finely chopped): Adds gentle sharpness and beautiful color.
Cherry tomatoes (1 1/2 cups, halved): Delivers vibrant sweetness and a pop of juiciness.
Kalamata olives (1/2 cup, sliced): The briny punch that brings everything together in true Greek style.
Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Brightens and lifts all the flavors, making every forkful refreshing.
Lemon zest (1 tsp): Intensifies the citrusy notes for extra zing.
Dried oregano (1 tsp): Classic Greek herb that adds warm, earthy undertones.
Dried basil (1/2 tsp): Brings a hint of sweet herbiness that ties in beautifully with the tomatoes.
Salt (1/4 tsp, or to taste): Enhances all the flavors—adjust as needed.
Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Just enough to add a subtle kick.
Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): Creamy, tangy nuggets that melt slightly into the warm pasta.
Reserved pasta water (1/2 cup as needed): Helps bring the sauce together and coat the pasta.
Fresh basil (for garnish, optional): A sprinkle of green freshness for the final touch.

How to Make Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives (25-Minutes)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until just al dente (check the recommended time on your pasta box and taste a piece a minute before it’s done). Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of starchy pasta water before you drain—the secret to getting the sauce to cling beautifully to every strand!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped red onion, and sauté for about two minutes. You’re looking for the garlic to become fragrant and the onion to soften just slightly, releasing their flavors into the oil for that classic Mediterranean base.

Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes

Add the cherry tomatoes straight into the skillet. Let them sizzle and soften for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. As they start to burst, their juices will create a light, tangy sauce that coats every bite of the Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives (25-Minutes).

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now, add your drained pasta to the skillet, followed by the sliced olives, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Gently toss everything together—if things look a bit dry, gradually pour in your reserved pasta water until the sauce is silky. You want every ingredient to be evenly distributed for the best mix of flavors and textures.

Step 5: Add the Feta and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle in the crumbled feta. Give everything a gentle stir so some of the cheese melts, while some stays in delicious little chunks. Top it off with a flourish of fresh basil and maybe an extra drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately while the feta is creamy and the flavors are at their brightest!

How to Serve Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives (25-Minutes)

Garnishes

This pasta practically begs for a finishing touch! Scatter extra crumbled feta, a shower of chopped fresh basil, and a good crank of black pepper over each plate. A drizzle of the best olive oil you have sets it all off—rich, vibrant, and oh-so inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair your Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives (25-Minutes) with a crisp Greek salad or a loaf of warm, crusty bread to mop up the saucy bits. A side of lightly grilled vegetables or a citrusy cucumber salad are also perfect for rounding out your Mediterranean feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopping table, serve the pasta in a big shallow bowl and let people help themselves. Or, portion it into smaller dishes for a family-style mezze vibe. Want to add even more color? Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or toss in a handful of baby spinach right at the end. It’s the kind of dish that’s endlessly adaptable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives (25-Minutes) are a real treat! Store cooled pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for an even more flavorful lunch the next day.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish in a pinch, the texture of the tomatoes and feta can change after thawing. If you do freeze it, let it cool completely first, then seal in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen up the sauce (especially if it’s straight from the fridge). Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, tossing occasionally, until heated through. The feta might melt in a bit more, but the flavors will be as bright as ever.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne and fusilli work especially well, Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives (25-Minutes) can be made with any pasta shape you have on hand. Even spaghetti or orzo would be delightful, so use your favorite or whatever’s in the pantry.

Is there a substitute for Kalamata olives?

If you can’t find Kalamata olives, black olives or green olives make a tasty swap. Each variety brings its own personality, so pick what you like best. Just be sure to choose pitted olives for easier slicing and eating!

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are wonderful additions to Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives (25-Minutes), turning it into a heartier meal. Toss them in right at the end with the feta for extra body and flavor.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Swap out the feta for your favorite vegan feta alternative, or simply leave it out and double up on olives for savory depth. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast can also provide a subtle cheesy note.

What if I don’t have fresh basil?

No worries—while fresh basil is lovely for garnish, you can use extra dried basil or parsley instead, or simply skip it altogether. The Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives (25-Minutes) is packed with flavor either way!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a taste of the Mediterranean with minimal effort, Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives (25-Minutes) is the answer! It’s colorful, bursting with flavor, and so simple to make. Give this one a whirl—you just might find yourself making it on repeat all year long!

Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives (25-Minutes) Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful and quick Mediterranean-inspired dish, this Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives is bursting with flavors of cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and tangy feta cheese. A perfect balance of zesty and savory notes, this pasta is a simple yet satisfying meal that can be whipped up in just 25 minutes.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 2. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. 3. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet. 2. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes
1. Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until softened.
Step 4: Combine Everything
1. Add pasta to the skillet. 2. Mix in olives, lemon juice, zest, herbs, salt, and pepper. 3. Add pasta water if needed.
Step 5: Add the Feta and Serve
1. Remove from heat, stir in feta. 2. Garnish with basil and olive oil. 3. Serve hot.