Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of luxuriously creamy pasta that whispers stories of sun-drenched Mediterranean coastlines and vibrant culinary traditions. This Mediterranean Pasta with Creamy Feta Sauce isn't just a meal—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds, proving that gourmet cooking can be both effortless and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream to the skillet. Stir gently and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cream to slightly thicken.
- Add crumbled feta cheese to the cream, stirring continuously until the cheese begins to melt and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust sauce consistency.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and sliced olives to the sauce, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Gently fold in fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt slightly from the heat of the sauce.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat each piece with the creamy feta sauce. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
- Taste and season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with extra feta crumbles or fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Use high-quality feta cheese for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
- Reserve pasta water before draining—it's liquid gold for creating the perfect sauce consistency.
- Sauté garlic quickly to prevent burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
- Add spinach last to maintain its bright green color and fresh texture.
- For extra depth, consider toasting pine nuts or adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a final garnish to elevate the dish's visual appeal and flavor.
- Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy for the best dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 75mg
