Greek Penne
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this vibrant and flavor-packed Greek Penne recipe. Combining tender penne pasta with the bold, tangy flavors of Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes, this dish is a perfect harmony of fresh ingredients. A sauté of red onion, garlic, and baby spinach adds depth, while a zesty hint of lemon juice and zest ties it all together with refreshing brightness. Seasoned with oregano and optional red chili flakes for a subtle kick, this one-pan meal is both quick to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes—and utterly satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing vegetarian option, serve this Greek-inspired pasta dish warm and garnish with fresh parsley for a beautiful finishing touch.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped red onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 200 grams, halved cherry tomatoes
- 100 grams, pitted and halved kalamata olives
- 100 grams baby spinach
- 150 grams, crumbled feta cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon (optional) red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon (to taste) salt
- 0.5 teaspoon (to taste) black pepper
- 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional for garnish) fresh parsley
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped red onion to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
Add the kalamata olives and baby spinach. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked penne to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine.
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice over the pasta. Stir gently to incorporate.
Season with dried oregano, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve the Greek Penne warm and enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
430 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.3 g | 31% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.1 g | 40% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 34 mg | 11% | |
| Sodium | 1285 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.1 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 13.0 g | 26% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 261 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 295 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
