Greek Spaghetti Recipe

If you are searching for a vibrant, refreshing, and utterly satisfying pasta dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your table, Greek Spaghetti is exactly what you need. This recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients like juicy cherry tomatoes, briny kalamata olives, tangy feta cheese, and fresh basil with perfectly cooked spaghetti to create a dish bursting with character and color. Greek Spaghetti is not just a pasta; it’s a celebration of Greek-inspired flavors that is quick to make and guaranteed to brighten up any meal. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a cozy night in, this dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and something delightfully light and fresh.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Greek Spaghetti lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing a crucial role in delivering layers of taste, texture, and color. From the rich olive oil that forms the sauce base to the fresh greens that add a pop of life, every component matters.

• Spaghetti: This long pasta is the perfect canvas for absorbing all the Mediterranean flavors that follow.
• Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the richest flavor and smooth texture.
• Red onion: Adds subtle sweetness and crunch when sautéed gently.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives a wonderful aromatic base without overpowering the dish.
• Lemon juice: Brings a bright acidity that lifts the entire dish.
• Red wine vinegar: Enhances the tangy notes and balances the richness of olive oil and feta.
• Dried oregano: The quintessential Greek herb that infuses the dish with authentic flavor.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the freshness and tie everything together.
• Cherry tomatoes: Burst with juices when sautéed, creating a light, natural sauce.
• Baby spinach: Wilts just enough to add a tender texture and vibrant green color.
• Kalamata olives: Their briny, slightly fruity taste adds depth and dimension.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled on top for creamy, salty richness that melts slightly into the pasta.
• Fresh basil leaves: Finely sliced to add an herbal freshness and fragrant aroma.
• Optional fresh parsley or extra basil: For garnishing and adding a final burst of color and flavor.

How to Make Greek Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by cooking your spaghetti according to the package instructions—aim for al dente to ensure that perfect bite. Reserve about a quarter cup of the pasta water before draining, which helps later in bringing everything together into a silky blend. Toss the cooked pasta with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and set it aside while you prepare the vibrant sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and add finely diced red onion. Sauté gently until soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. Then, add minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown, as you want the garlic flavor pure and fresh.

Step 3: Cook the Cherry Tomatoes

Now add the cherry tomatoes along with the remaining olive oil, letting them soften and slightly burst to create a light, juicy sauce. This process only takes a few minutes and is crucial for building that fresh, summery base that Greek Spaghetti is known for.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

After the tomatoes soften, stir in the fresh baby spinach. It will wilt quickly, adding a tender texture and bright green color that makes this dish feel so fresh and nutritious.

Step 5: Add the Final Flavor Boosts

Next, add the sliced kalamata olives, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for about a minute, letting the flavors meld into a lively, tangy, and herbaceous sauce that perfectly complements the pasta.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Remove the skillet from heat and add the cooked spaghetti directly into the pan. Toss everything well to ensure every strand is beautifully coated with the tomato and spinach mixture. For an extra silky texture, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed.

Step 7: Add Feta and Fresh Basil

Finish by folding in the crumbled feta cheese and thinly sliced fresh basil leaves. These ingredients add a creamy, salty, and herbaceous finish that makes Greek Spaghetti feel both rustic and elegant at the same time.

How to Serve Greek Spaghetti

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or additional basil leaves brightens the plate and adds a lovely burst of green, making your Greek Spaghetti look as vibrant as it tastes. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top just before serving can also add a silky, fragrant touch.

Side Dishes

Serve this dish alongside a crisp Greek salad, warm pita bread, or a plate of roasted vegetables to round out the Mediterranean theme. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the bright flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests, serve the Greek Spaghetti in rustic bowls with a wedge of lemon on the side. You can also plate it atop a bed of mixed greens for a fresh, colorful presentation or even bake it briefly with extra feta for a warm, cheesy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Greek Spaghetti keeps very well in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the flavors from mingling too much. The feta might release some moisture, so give it a quick stir before reheating.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and feta, freezing this dish is not ideal as the texture of spinach and tomatoes can change when thawed. However, if needed, freeze only the cooked spaghetti separately without the sauce components for best results.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat your Greek Spaghetti in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Microwave reheating works as well but do so in short intervals to avoid drying out the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Greek Spaghetti?

Absolutely! While traditional spaghetti works beautifully, feel free to experiment with penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pastas. The key is to cook it al dente so it holds up to the vibrant sauce.

Is Greek Spaghetti suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, this dish is naturally vegetarian as it contains no meat or fish. The feta cheese provides a satisfying richness, making it hearty enough as a complete meal.

Can I make Greek Spaghetti vegan?

Definitely. Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast sprinkled on top can also add a cheesy flavor without dairy.

What type of olives work best in this recipe?

Kalamata olives are ideal for their distinctive briny, fruity taste, but if you don’t have them on hand, green olives or black olives can work as a substitute, just adjust salt amounts accordingly.

How long does it take to prepare Greek Spaghetti?

This dish comes together quickly, usually in about 20 to 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

Greek Spaghetti is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the Mediterranean sun—full of freshness, color, and bold flavors that satisfy your soul and taste buds alike. It’s quick, easy to make, and delivers a beautiful balance of tangy, savory, and herbaceous notes every single time. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try; it might just become your new weeknight favorite that impresses everyone around your table!

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