🍝 Mediterranean Cheese Pasta
A simple, satisfying dish combining creamy feta, savory Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, olives, spinach, and whole grain pasta—perfectly Mediterranean!
🧀 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
Pasta:
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200g (7 oz) whole grain or whole wheat pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
Vegetables & Flavor:
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 small red onion, thinly sliced
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1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup fresh spinach (or arugula)
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¼ cup black or kalamata olives, sliced
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1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
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½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese:
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½ cup crumbled feta cheese
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional:
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
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Zest of ½ lemon (for brightness)
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
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Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
2. Sauté the Veggies
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add garlic and red onion; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
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Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to burst (about 5–6 minutes).
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Stir in olives, spinach, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook until spinach wilts.
3. Add Pasta and Cheese
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables.
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Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
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Stir in feta and Parmesan until creamy and well combined.
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Add lemon zest and more olive oil if desired.
4. Garnish and Serve
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Serve warm, topped with fresh herbs and extra cheese if you like.
🧠 Mediterranean Diet Tips
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Use whole grain or legume-based pasta for extra fiber and protein.
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Choose authentic feta (made from sheep/goat milk) for richness and lower lactose.
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Load up on fresh herbs and healthy fats instead of cream or heavy sauces.
Would you like a gluten-free, vegan, or high-protein version of this cheese pasta?