The smell of sizzling garlic in olive oil always hits me like a hug from my Yiayia. Warming, rich, and impossible to ignore. This Greek Spaghetti brings that same kind of joyjust a little messier and faster. Pinterest can’t get enough of these feta-tomato noodle dreams, and honestly? I get it.
You’ve got pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a generous crumble of salty feta, all swirled together in a silky Mediterranean-style sauce. It’s the type of dinner that tastes like it took hours, but comes together quicker than the kids can say “what’s for dinner?” Full details in the blog!
We made a version of this after a fridge clean-out and never looked back. My mom called it “vacation pasta” because it reminds her of summers in Santorini, minus the airfare. I tested it three times this week. You’ll love the secret!
Greek Spaghetti is a delicious and easy pasta dish full of rich Greek flavors in each bite. This Mediterranean Spaghetti is perfect as a main or side dish for family-friendly meals and healthy Greek pasta lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb spaghetti
4 tablespoons olive oil divided
1 small red onion finely diced
3 garlic cloves minced
Juice of half a lemon
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
2 cups fresh baby spinach
⅓ cup pitted kalamata olives sliced
4 oz crumbled feta cheese
4–5 fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
Optional* fresh chopped basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water and drain the remaining water.
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pasta, toss and set aside.
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a large skillet over medium high heat.
Sauté the diced onions until soft.
Add garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute.
Add cherry tomatoes to the pan with the remaining olive oil and sauté until softened.
Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted.
Add the kalamata olives, lemon juice, vinegar and seasonings and cook for 1 minute.
Remove from heat and add the cooked spaghetti. Toss to coat.
Add the feta and fresh sliced basil and toss to combine.
Garnish with additional fresh basil or parsley and serve.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Mediterranean
Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite
This Greek Spaghetti brings everyone to the table quickly and effortlessly. It offers a comforting, nostalgic feel with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, making it special yet wonderfully approachable. The combination of salty Kalamata olives, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta creates an exquisite burst of flavor in every bite, while the spaghetti base ensures a satisfying and simple meal.
What makes it even better? It’s a true one-pot Greek spaghetti delight. This means fewer dishes, minimal stress, and maximum flavor – a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something cozy and easy. Furthermore, its flexibility makes it suitable for vegetarians or anyone seeking a light yet hearty meal. My mom, for instance, would often praise this as one of her best pantry-cleaning recipes!
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s explore what makes this dish truly exceptional. Each ingredient is straightforward but plays a crucial role in developing its rich flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:
Spaghetti: The essential foundation of our dish. Choose regular or whole wheat spaghetti based on your preference or dietary goals.
Olive oil: Divided for sautéing and lightly coating the spaghettiproviding that smooth, slightly peppery, and quintessential Mediterranean essence.
Red Onion & Garlic: These aromatic staples release incredible fragrance and depth as they gently sauté.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and ideal for creating a quick, effortless sauce that bursts with freshness.
Fresh Baby Spinach: Contributes vibrant color and an earthy flavor, ensuring the dish remains fresh and nutrient-rich.
Kalamata Olives: Briny and bold, these distinctive Greek olives add an unmistakable depth of flavor.
Lemon Juice & Red Wine Vinegar: Provide a zesty and tangy counterpoint, crucial for balancing the richness and preventing the dish from feeling too heavy.
Dried Oregano: Delivers just the right touch of classic herbaceous Greek flavor.
Feta Cheese: Crumbly, creamy, and saltythis is where much of the dish’s magic happens. Don’t skimp!
Basil: Fresh and fragrant, added at the finish for a bright, aromatic pop of flavor.
Pro Tip:
If fresh basil isn’t available, parsley makes a great substitute, or you can simply omit itthe dish will still be delicious!
Simple Steps to Make It
Here’s how to create this vibrant Greek-inspired pasta in just a few easy steps:
Cook the spaghetti: Boil pasta according to package directions. Before draining, remember to reserve ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water. Lightly toss the drained noodles with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the sauce.
Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil. Add the diced red onion and cook until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant.
Add the vegetables: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and allow them to soften, releasing their flavorful juices. Next, add the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts down.
Infuse the flavors: Stir in the Kalamata olives, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer briefly to meld the flavors.
Combine everything: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cooked spaghetti to the vegetable mixture. If needed, use a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a silky, restaurant-quality sauce that coats every strand.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil over the pasta. Gently toss everything together to ensure every piece is coated in cheesy, herby goodness.
Easy Customizations
This Greek spaghetti recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your pantry or dietary preferences:
No spinach? Arugula makes an excellent substitute, or you can omit the greens entirelyit will still be delicious.
Leftovers for lunch? This dish is fantastic cold! Drizzle with a little extra olive oil to freshen it up, and serve it as a delightful pasta salad the next day.
Seeking extra protein? Enhance the meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for an even heartier dish.
Ingredient Swap Chart
Ingredient
Possible Swap
Spaghetti
Whole wheat spaghetti, gluten-free noodles
Fresh basil
Parsley, cilantro, or skip
Kalamata olives
Black olives, green olives
Cherry tomatoes
Canned diced tomatoes (drained)
How to Serve & Store
Serve this Greek spaghetti family-style, perhaps with extra feta and fresh herbs sprinkled on top. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce or a crisp green salad to complete the meal. A final drizzle of quality olive oil adds an authentic Mediterranean touch.
Storing Leftovers: Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
This comforting, quick dish allows you to celebrate Mediterranean spaghetti flavorswhether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner. Enjoy every satisfying bite!
Expert Insight: The Appeal of Greek Spaghetti
Greek spaghetti masterfully combines simple, fresh ingredients with bold Mediterranean flavors, resulting in a dish that is both deeply satisfying and inherently nutritious. The incorporation of staples like olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs naturally delivers beneficial antioxidants and heart-healthy fats, demonstrating how traditional recipes can offer significant wellness advantages alongside exceptional taste.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
How I Finally Nailed My Greek Spaghetti
Perfecting this Greek spaghetti recipe involved a surprising number of kitchen experimentsfrom accidentally over-salting the sauce to meticulously adjusting the lemon just right. After several attempts (and at least one memorable family dinner where I learned a lot), I’ve finally landed on a version that beautifully balances bright, tangy flavors with the comforting simplicity of spaghetti. This recipe truly reflects all those small, yet crucial, lessons learned along the way.
FAQs ( Greek Spaghetti )
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can use a plant-based protein or simply increase the amount of feta and vegetables like spinach or zucchini. This meal shines with fresh ingredients, so adding olives or artichokes adds depth. Skip any meat options for a fully vegetarian, family-friendly Greek recipe that’s just as delicious.
What type of pasta works best?
Traditional spaghetti strands work well to hold the sauce and feta, but feel free to use other long pasta shapes like linguine or bucatini for a twist. Avoid very thick pasta to keep the dish light and balanced. Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture in this Mediterranean spaghetti.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh to keep the feta creamy and the tomatoes vibrant. You can prep ingredients like chopped tomatoes and herbs ahead, but combine them just before serving. If needed, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to preserve texture.
How do I stop the feta from getting too salty?
Drain the feta well and consider rinsing briefly under cold water if it’s very salty. Use fresh feta rather than aged to keep salt levels moderate. Adding juicy tomatoes and a splash of pasta water balances the saltiness naturally in the dish.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Light salads with cucumbers, olives, and lemon dressing complement the flavors without overpowering the meal. Serve with warm pita or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables or a simple grilled chicken breast can round out the meal for a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
Conclusion
This Greek Spaghetti truly comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal fuss, delivering pure comfort on a plate. You’ll adore how the sweet, juicy tomatoes burst, perfectly mingling with creamy feta and that subtle, bright lemony zing. It’s a dish that feels homemade without the extra hasslebright, comforting, and undeniably satisfying.
Whether you’re looking to mix it up with grilled shrimp or chickpeas for added protein, or prefer to swap spinach for arugula for a slight variation, this recipe is incredibly flexible. If you have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of water to rejuvenate the sauce. A final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving is a pro tip that enhances that authentic Mediterranean glow everyone will inquire about.
Have you tried making this delightful Mediterranean spaghetti yet? Share your photos, tell me about your tweaks, or let me know if it brings back memories of a special family meal. It truly makes my day to see this recipe become a part of your cozy dinner rotation. Save it for your next easy Greek dinner, and let’s continue sharing the joy of delicious food!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
