Pasta With Feta

Imagine the aroma of garlic dancing through your kitchen as cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness and feta cheese melts into creamy decadence.

This pasta dish is a breeze to whip up, yet it wraps you in the cozy embrace of Mediterranean flavors.

Watch as simple ingredients transform into a sumptuous meal, each bite a celebration of freshness and comfort.

Ready to savor this delightful creation? Let’s bring this dish to life!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 colander
• 1 large skillet
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 cutting board
• 1 knife
• 1 measuring cup

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta of choice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing Pasta with Feta, you can follow this timeline:

1. Initial Reading and Setup (5 minutes)
   • Read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Prep Work (10 minutes)
   • Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • While waiting for the water to boil, halve the cherry tomatoes, mince the garlic, and chop the fresh basil leaves.
3. Cooking (20 minutes)
   • Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (approximately 8-10 minutes).
   • While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
   • Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until softened (around 4-5 minutes).
4. Pasta Integration (5 minutes)
   • Drain the pasta using a colander and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
   • Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing to combine.
   • Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and mix until it starts to melt.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir in the fresh basil leaves.
5. Resting Time (5 minutes)
   • Remove the skillet from heat and let the pasta rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.

Recipe Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain the pasta using the colander and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.

Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until softened.

Stir in the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water, tossing to combine.

Add the crumbled feta cheese and stir until it starts to melt.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil leaves.

Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Garlic Bread: Serve alongside to soak up the flavorful sauce and add a crunchy texture contrast.
• Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich, cheesy pasta.
• Grilled Vegetables: Add a smoky element by pairing with a variety of seasonal grilled veggies.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the flavors with a zesty kick.
• Chilled White Wine: Pair with a crisp white wine to balance the dish’s richness.

Storage

To store pasta with feta, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Add a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.

Freezing

To freeze pasta with feta, guarantee it’s cooled completely.

Store it in airtight containers, leaving some room for expansion.

For best results, consume within two months.

Reheat gently to maintain texture.

Reheating

To reheat pasta with feta, use a skillet over low heat.

Add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying.

Stir gently until warmed through for even heating.

Final Thoughts

Pasta with feta is a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish that combines the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.

The combination of feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil creates a vibrant and savory meal.

This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful meal to impress guests.

Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and enjoy the creamy and tangy goodness in every bite.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist with extra vegetables, this pasta dish is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Feta With a Different Cheese?

You can substitute feta with goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor or ricotta for a creamier texture. Use equal amounts. Make sure the cheese is crumbled or softened for easy incorporation into the dish, enhancing overall taste.

What Type of Pasta Works Best With This Recipe?

When choosing pasta, opt for short shapes like penne or fusilli. These capture sauce and cheese perfectly. Cook until al dente for ideal texture. Reserve half a cup of pasta water to enhance sauce consistency.

How Can I Make This Dish Spicy?

Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon for extra heat. Add a finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper when sautéing the garlic. For a deeper spice, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper while mixing the pasta.

Is This Dish Suitable for Vegetarians?

Yes, the dish is suitable for vegetarians. You guarantee it meets vegetarian standards by using plant-based ingredients. The combination of feta, pasta, and vegetables creates a flavorful dish without any meat or animal-derived additives.

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Follow the same cooking instructions, ensuring the pasta is al dente. Check the feta and other ingredients for gluten traces to maintain a gluten-free dish.