Are you craving a quick, delicious meal that combines the tangy richness of feta cheese with a bold, peppery kick? Look no further! This Peppery Pasta with Feta Cheese is a game-changing recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for an easy weeknight dinner, or someone who loves bold Mediterranean flavors, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g pasta
- 200g feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, crumble the feta cheese into small pieces and set aside. Chop fresh parsley for garnish.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Return the pasta to the pot and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the pasta.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese to the hot pasta and gently toss to combine, allowing the cheese to slightly melt.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to create a light, creamy texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the creamy feta and peppery flavor.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like seawater to ensure well-seasoned pasta.
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain a perfect texture that pairs beautifully with creamy feta.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; the starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and helps the cheese and oil coat the pasta.
- Use freshly ground black pepper for a more intense, aromatic flavor.
- For extra richness, you can add a small splash of extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
- Choose a good quality feta cheese - the better the cheese, the more delicious your final dish will be.
- Serve immediately while the pasta is hot to enjoy the best texture and flavor combination.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
