Feel-Good Feta Pasta in Just 12 Minutes
Have you ever craved a delightful meal that comes together in a flash? This 12-Minute Spicy Feta Pasta recipe is your answer! Packed with flavor and quick to prepare, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. And let me tell you, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will make your family flock to the table!
Imagine a cozy evening at home, a pot of quick pasta bubbling away, and the tantalizing scent of garlic mingling with fresh herbs. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug, bringing joy and comfort without fuss. Trust me, once you try this simple dish, it will become a regular in your dinner rotation.
PrintSpicy Feta Pasta
A delightful and quick pasta dish packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- ½ cup dry macaroni, quick cooking
- 4 tbsp feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 juicy tomato, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Chop the tomato, basil, and parsley, and mince the garlic.
- In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped tomato along with the chili powder and sauté for about 2 minutes until the tomato softens.
- Stir in the tomato paste and about half a cup of water, then add the dry macaroni and crumbled feta cheese. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for about 2 minutes.
- Fold in the minced garlic and continue cooking for 2 more minutes until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and basil, turn off the heat, and give it a good mix. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious meal!
Notes
Serve with crusty bread or a crisp salad to enhance the meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Feta Pasta
This delightful recipe not only comes together in just 12 minutes but is also packed with goodness! You’ll get a satisfying blend of carbohydrates from the macaroni, protein from the feta cheese, and vibrant flavors from fresh herbs and spices. It’s a quick, comforting meal that the whole family will love, and you’ll appreciate how easy it is to whip up!
How to Make Delicious Spicy Feta Pasta
Ingredients:
- ½ cup dry macaroni, quick cooking
- 4 tbsp feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 juicy tomato, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
- Start by chopping the tomato, basil, and parsley, and mincing the garlic.
- In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped tomato along with the chili powder and sauté for about 2 minutes until the tomato softens.
- Stir in the tomato paste and about half a cup of water, then add the dry macaroni and crumbled feta cheese. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for about 2 minutes.
- Next, fold in the minced garlic and continue cooking for 2 more minutes until the pasta is tender.
- Finally, stir in the fresh parsley and basil, turn off the heat, and give it a good mix.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious meal!
Serving Suggestions for Spicy Feta Pasta
This pasta dish shines on its own, but you can elevate the experience! Serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the feta. A sprinkle of extra chili flakes can add a spicy kick to your plate, making it a customizable experience for everyone.
How to Store Leftovers of Your Pasta Delight
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is very unlikely with how tasty this dish is!), let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days, and it reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just add a splash of water to bring back its creamy texture!
Tips for Perfecting Your Spicy Feta Pasta
- Don’t be shy with the herbs! Fresh basil and parsley really make the dish pop, so use as much as your heart desires.
- Make it a one-pot meal by using a high-sided sauté pan. It simplifies cooking and reduces cleanup!
- If you love a little extra heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes while sautéing the tomato.
Fun Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? Try adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for an extra nutrient boost. You can also substitute the macaroni for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary needs.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?
Absolutely! If feta isn’t your favorite, goat cheese or even ricotta can both work well.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Definitely! Just cook the pasta and sauce as directed, but keep the fresh herbs separate until you’re ready to serve for the best flavor.
What if I don’t have quick-cooking macaroni?
You can use any type of pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
There you have it! A simple, family-friendly recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table in no time. Dive in, and enjoy every comforting bite of this spicy feta pasta!