If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that pasta night makes any day better. And when pasta night gets a Mediterranean makeover? Chef’s kiss! This Greek Pasta With Feta is a perfect example — a quick, vibrant, and flavor-packed meal that can easily slide into your weeknight rotation (or impress a dinner guest when you “accidentally” overcook on purpose).
This isn’t just another bowl of noodles. Oh no — this dish is all about healthy Greek pasta vibes with juicy cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, crumbles of creamy feta, and that gorgeous drizzle of olive oil that makes everything feel just a little fancy. It’s basically sunshine in a bowl.
Whether you’re hunting for easy dinner ideas with feta, looking for new dinner recipes with olives, or just want an excuse to eat more carbs (no judgment), this is the Mediterranean pasta recipe you need on repeat.
Why This Recipe Is a Total Weeknight Hero
This pasta checks all the boxes — quick, simple, flavorful, and versatile.
- Quick & fuss-free: Ready in under 30 minutes, start to finish.
- Pantry-friendly: Uses basic ingredients you probably have on hand.
- Good-for-you ingredients: Olive oil, tomatoes, and olives give this meal some major yummy Mediterranean recipes energy.
- Meal-prep friendly: Enjoy hot for dinner or chill it for tomorrow’s lunch — it’s a win-win.
And can we talk about how pasta and feta recipes have been trending everywhere? This one gives you a fresh, homemade twist on the viral trend, minus the stress of complicated steps.
The Story Behind This Dish
I originally whipped this up on one of those “I don’t want to cook but still want something amazing” nights. You know the drill — standing in front of the pantry like it’s going to reveal a miracle meal. Then I spotted pasta, a block of feta, and a jar of Kalamata olives. A little olive oil, garlic, and some tomatoes later, I had what quickly became my go-to Mediterranean pasta dish.
It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re sitting at a beachside café in Santorini — even if you’re really just sitting in sweatpants at your kitchen table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your quick shopping list (or pantry raid checklist):
- Pasta: Penne, fusilli, or even bow-tie pasta works — short shapes catch the sauce beautifully.
- Feta cheese: Go for the real deal Greek feta for max creaminess and tang.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and perfect for that burst of freshness.
- Kalamata olives: A must for that signature Greek flavor — don’t skip these.
- Garlic & red onion: Flavor boosters that set the stage.
- Extra virgin olive oil: High-quality oil = better taste.
- Lemon juice & zest: Adds brightness that keeps the dish from feeling heavy.
- Dried oregano & basil: The herbs that scream “Greek summer.”
- Salt & black pepper: The basics to bring it all together.
Optional add-ins: Baby spinach for extra greens, grilled chicken or shrimp for protein, or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly boost.
How to Make This Greek Pasta
You’re just four simple steps away from pasta bliss:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, toss in your pasta, and cook until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining (trust me, you’ll thank yourself later).
Step 2: Build the Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add garlic and onion, sauté for a couple of minutes until they smell amazing. Toss in the cherry tomatoes and let them cook until they start to burst — that’s when they release their natural sweetness.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Add your cooked pasta, olives, lemon juice, zest, oregano, and basil right into the skillet. Give it a good toss. If it looks dry, splash in that reserved pasta water.
Step 4: Add the Feta & Serve
Turn off the heat and stir in crumbled feta so it gets just slightly melty and creamy. Finish with fresh basil and another drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm — or let it cool for a refreshing pasta salad version.
Pro Tips for Pasta Perfection
- Use authentic feta. Sheep’s milk feta has the best flavor and creamy crumble.
- Don’t skip the lemon zest. It brightens everything up.
- Reserve pasta water. It’s liquid gold for silky sauces.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes. This allows the flavors to really meld together.

Fun Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are some easy spins:
- Protein boost: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Creamy upgrade: Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Veggie-loaded: Add roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts for more color and flavor.
What to Serve With It
Pair this Greek pasta recipe dinner with:
- Warm pita bread or garlic bread for dipping.
- A crisp Greek salad loaded with cucumber, red onion, and lemon vinaigrette.
- A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio (because, balance).
Storage & Meal Prep
This recipe is a total meal prep champion:
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Eat cold: Makes an amazing next-day pasta salad.
- Reheat: Warm it up in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil to revive the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely. Rotini, spaghetti, or even whole wheat pasta work just fine — just adjust cooking time.
Can I add more veggies?
Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, or roasted eggplant would be delish here.
Can I use a cheese other than feta?
Sure — goat cheese or ricotta salata make great swaps if you want a different vibe.
This dish is seriously a keeper. It’s fresh, satisfying, and totally foolproof. Whether you serve it warm for dinner or cold as a pasta salad, this Mediterranean pasta recipe is one of those Greek pasta recipes dinners you’ll come back to again and again.
So go ahead, grab your pasta, feta, and a handful of olives — tonight, we’re eating like we’re on a Greek island. 🏝️
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Simple Greek Pasta Recipes Dinners | Healthy Weeknight Pasta Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
Description
This Mediterranean pasta dish is about to become your weeknight BFF. It’s a fresh, vibrant bowl of goodness loaded with cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese. Bonus? It’s ready in just about 25 minutes — perfect for those nights when you want something flavorful but don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta – Short cuts like penne, rotini, or fusilli hold the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – The base of that gorgeous light “sauce.”
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – Adds a punch of flavor.
- ½ small red onion, finely chopped – Sweet and savory depth.
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved – Fresh and juicy.
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced – A must for that Greek flavor.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice + 1 tsp zest – Brightens up the entire dish.
- 1 tsp dried oregano + ½ tsp basil – Classic Mediterranean herbs.
- ¼ tsp salt & black pepper – Season to taste.
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled – Creamy, tangy perfection.
- ½ cup reserved pasta water – To adjust the sauce consistency.
- Fresh basil (optional) – For a pretty, fragrant finish.
Instructions
- Cook Your Pasta
- Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Before draining, scoop out about ½ cup of the cooking water — trust me, it’s the secret to a silky sauce. Set pasta aside.
- Build the Flavor Base
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the garlic and red onion and cook for 1-2 minutes until everything smells amazing and the onion starts to soften.
- Burst Those Tomatoes
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and let them cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their juices.
- Toss it All Together
- Add the cooked pasta straight into the skillet. Mix in the Kalamata olives, lemon juice, zest, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. If the pasta seems a little dry, drizzle in some of that reserved pasta water a bit at a time until you get a light, glossy coating.
- Finish with Feta
- Turn off the heat, then crumble feta over the pasta and toss gently so it gets slightly creamy without fully melting.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Transfer to a serving dish, top with fresh basil, and give it an extra drizzle of olive oil if you’re feeling fancy. Serve warm (or chill it for a refreshing pasta salad — it’s just as good cold).
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal