![Here’s what you need for your satisfying pasta with spinach and feta dish. This list makes it easy to gather everything and get cooking. - 300g pasta (fusilli or penne) - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 150g feta cheese, crumbled - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Optional: toasted pine nuts for crunch This combination of ingredients creates a bright and tasty meal. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Feta cheese brings a creamy, salty kick. Olive oil and garlic create a rich flavor base. Lemon zest and juice give the dish a refreshing twist. Adjust the chili flakes to your spice liking. If you want extra crunch, add toasted pine nuts. By using these fresh and simple ingredients, you make a dish that feels special but is easy to prepare. For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe]. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This step adds flavor to the pasta. Once the water is bubbling, add 300g of pasta, like fusilli or penne. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, save 1 cup of pasta water for later. This water helps create a creamy sauce. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of chili flakes. Sauté this mixture for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell great but not burn. The chili flakes add a nice kick to the dish. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add 2 cups of roughly chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir it often until it wilts, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Next, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss in 150g of crumbled feta cheese, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Mix everything well. If it feels too dry, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time. This will make your dish creamier and more vibrant. Cooking should be fun and rewarding! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To make al dente pasta, start with a big pot of salted water. Bring it to a full boil. Add the pasta and stir it often. Check the package for cooking times. Taste a piece a minute or two before the time is up. It should be firm but not hard. When you drain the pasta, don’t forget to save some pasta water. This water is starchy and helps make your dish creamy. Keep about one cup of it in a bowl before you drain the rest. To boost flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or some fresh herbs like parsley. You can also add more chili flakes if you like heat. A splash of balsamic vinegar is great for depth too. For presentation, use wide, shallow bowls. This makes the dish look fancy. Add some extra feta on top and a few fresh basil leaves. A drizzle of olive oil will shine and add flavor. One common mistake is overcooking the spinach. It should wilt, not turn mushy. Cook it just until it’s bright green. When mixing ingredients, add the feta gently. Crumble it on top of the pasta instead of mixing it in too hard. This keeps the cheese from breaking apart too much. Remember, a little goes a long way in flavor! For the full recipe, check out the Spinach & Feta Fiesta Pasta recipe. {{image_2}} You can add protein to make this dish heartier. For a classic twist, grilled chicken works well. Simply slice cooked chicken and toss it in with the pasta. Shrimp is another great choice. Sauté shrimp in olive oil until pink, then mix it in. If you prefer vegetarian options, consider chickpeas or tofu. Chickpeas add protein and fiber. Just rinse and drain a can. For tofu, cube it and sauté until golden. Both options blend nicely with spinach and feta. Cheese can change the flavor of this dish. If you want a milder taste, try goat cheese or ricotta. These cheeses will add creaminess and a unique touch. You can also use Parmesan for a sharper flavor. For those avoiding dairy, go for nutritional yeast. It provides a cheesy flavor without milk. Another option is cashew cheese. Blend soaked cashews with lemon juice for a creamy, dairy-free alternative. Using seasonal ingredients can elevate this recipe. In spring, add fresh peas for a pop of sweetness. In summer, cherry tomatoes burst with flavor and color. For fall, consider roasted butternut squash for a sweet note. You can also swap in other greens. Kale or arugula can add a peppery kick. Just remember to cook them until tender. Mixing in colorful veggies not only boosts nutrition but also makes your dish more vibrant. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To keep your pasta fresh, choose airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the pasta cool down first before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, avoid the microwave if you can. Instead, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help restore moisture. Stir gently to keep the texture nice. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. You can freeze leftover portions for later. Divide the pasta into single servings and place them in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible. For best quality, eat within three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned. For the full recipe, check out the Spinach & Feta Fiesta Pasta. You can pair this dish with simple sides. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread: Crunchy and buttery, it complements pasta well. - Mixed green salad: Fresh greens with a light vinaigrette provide a nice contrast. - Roasted vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers add color and flavor. - Wine: A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc goes well with this meal. You can store this dish in the refrigerator for about 3 days. Make sure to use an airtight container. If you want to freeze it, it can last up to 2 months. Just remember, the texture may change a bit after freezing. Yes, you can prep most of the ingredients ahead. Chop the spinach and garlic, and store them in the fridge. Cook the pasta and let it cool before storing it. The best way to assemble is just before serving. Mix everything together fresh for the best flavor. This dish combines fresh ingredients like spinach and feta to create delicious pasta. You learned how to cook the pasta perfectly, prepare a tasty sauce, and mix everything for a creamy finish. I also shared some helpful tips to avoid common mistakes. Lastly, you saw different variations and storage methods to suit your taste and needs. Enjoy experimenting with your own version of this dish! Your kitchen adventures are just beginning.](https://cookingwells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/088ff945-3447-470f-84ec-220eb2ce9dfd-250x250.webp)
Pasta with Spinach and Feta
Savor the deliciousness of Spinach & Feta Fiesta Pasta, a quick and easy dish perfect for any weeknight dinner! With fresh spinach, creamy feta, and a hint of lemon, this recipe brings vibrant flavors to your table in just 20 minutes. Whether you're a pasta lover or just looking to try something new, this meal is a must! Click through to explore the full recipe and delight your taste buds today!