Easy Greek Spaghetti Recipe for Dinner
If you’re craving an easy, flavorful dinner that brings the sunshine of the Mediterranean straight to your plate, this Greek Spaghetti recipe is your new go-to. Combining simple pantry staples with vibrant herbs and tangy tomato goodness, Greek Spaghetti is a fantastic twist on classic pasta that’s both comforting and bursting with lively flavors. Whether you want a quick weekday dinner or a special meal to impress friends, this recipe promises a delicious and satisfying experience without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Fresh Mediterranean Flavors: Bright herbs, ripe tomatoes, and savory feta bring authentic Greek taste.
- Customizable: Easily adapt with your favorite veggies, proteins, or dietary preferences.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal pans, minimal cleanup, making cooking and tidying up a breeze.
- Nutrient Rich: Packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and satisfying carbs for balanced nutrition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Greek Spaghetti lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a crucial role in layering flavors, texture, and color to create a truly harmonious dish. From tangy feta to herbaceous oregano, every element boosts the final result without overwhelming the palate.
- Spaghetti: The perfect canvas for sauce—just cook to al dente for the ideal bite.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and a fruity Mediterranean aroma that ties everything together.
- Garlic Cloves: Provides savory depth with a warm, aromatic punch.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy bursts of natural sweetness and color.
- Kalamata Olives: Salty, briny notes that add authentic Greek flavor.
- Red Onion: Offers a mild sharpness and slight crunch to balance the dish.
- Dried Oregano: Essential herb with a robust, piney aroma.
- Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy, it’s the crowning glory of Greek Spaghetti.
- Fresh Parsley or Basil: Bright, herbaceous freshness to finish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, seasoning enhances all flavors perfectly.
Variations for Greek Spaghetti
One of the best parts about Greek Spaghetti is how easily you can tweak the ingredients to suit your mood, pantry, or dietary restrictions. Here are some fun ways to make this recipe truly yours.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein and heartiness.
- Vegetarian or Vegan: Swap feta for vegan cheese and loaded greens like spinach or arugula.
- Zesty Twist: Incorporate lemon zest and juice for a refreshing citrus note.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili to turn up the heat.
- Different Pasta: Use penne, fusilli, or gluten-free spaghetti to change up the texture and accommodate allergies.
How to Make Greek Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a cup of pasta water for later use.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes
In a large skillet, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and red onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Toss in halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices.
Step 3: Add Olives and Herbs
Stir in sliced Kalamata olives and dried oregano, letting the flavors meld beautifully with the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet, tossing well to coat the noodles with the sauce. Use reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed, creating a luscious coating for every strand.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Pro Tips for Making Greek Spaghetti
- Reserve Pasta Water: It’s magic for bringing sauce and noodles together with silky texture.
- Use Quality Olive Oil: Invest in good extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor impact.
- Don’t Overcook Tomatoes: Lightly cooking preserves their brightness and natural sweetness.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Add fresh parsley or basil last to keep their taste bright and fresh.
- Mix Cheeses: Try combining feta with a touch of Parmesan for added richness.
How to Serve Greek Spaghetti
Garnishes
Add chopped fresh herbs, extra crumbled feta, or a drizzle of olive oil to elevate each serving and add appealing color and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
Serve with a crisp Greek salad or warm pita bread for a balanced meal that complements the pasta’s bold Mediterranean flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Greek Spaghetti in individual bowls topped with a lemon wedge or alongside grilled vegetables arranged on a platter for a festive, inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Greek Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy again without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze as well due to the fresh herbs and feta but you can freeze the pasta and sauce separately for better texture preservation and then combine after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil on low heat to refresh the texture without drying out the pasta or cheese.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for Greek Spaghetti?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional and offers a great texture for the sauce, penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options work well and can add a fun twist.
Is Greek Spaghetti vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by swapping out feta cheese for plant-based alternatives.
How spicy is Greek Spaghetti?
By default, this recipe is mild and focuses on fresh Mediterranean flavors, but you can add red pepper flakes or chili to introduce some heat.
Can I make Greek Spaghetti ahead of time?
You can prepare components like the sauce and pasta ahead but it’s best assembled just before serving to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures.
What’s the best way to store leftover feta topping?
Store leftover crumbled feta in a sealed container in the fridge and add fresh when reheating your Greek Spaghetti for the best flavor impact.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Spaghetti recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity, freshness, and authentic Mediterranean taste that’s perfect for any dinner occasion. Once you try it, you’ll see how easy it is to turn basic pantry ingredients into a comforting, vibrant meal the whole family will love. Give it a go tonight and enjoy a bowl full of sunshine and flavor!
Related Posts
- Easy One Pot Chicken and Rice Pilaf Recipe
- Easy Rosemary Roasted Potatoes for Cozy Meals
- Easy Lipton Onion Potatoes Recipe to Try
Greek Spaghetti
Greek Spaghetti is a simple and quick Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish combining al dente spaghetti, juicy cherry tomatoes, savory Kalamata olives, tangy feta cheese, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner, it offers a harmonious blend of bright, fresh ingredients with minimal cleanup and customizable options to suit various dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta and Base
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
Flavor Enhancers
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and red onion and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and start to release their juices, about 5 minutes.
- Add Olives and Herbs: Stir in the sliced Kalamata olives and dried oregano, allowing the flavors to meld with the tomatoes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce and create a luscious coating on every strand.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish generously with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to achieve a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a richer, fruitier flavor.
- Do not overcook tomatoes to preserve their natural sweetness and brightness.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to maintain their vibrant and fresh taste.
- Try mixing feta cheese with Parmesan for extra richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Greek spaghetti, Mediterranean pasta, feta pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta