Imagine a dish that combines the creamy richness of feta cheese, the burst of fresh cherry tomatoes, and the comforting embrace of perfectly cooked pasta - all ready in just 30 minutes! This Feta and Tomato Pasta is not just a meal; it's a Mediterranean escape right in your kitchen. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for a quick delightful dinner, or someone craving authentic Greek flavors, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 250g pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 200g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes and crumble the feta cheese. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk together to create a simple dressing.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Immediately transfer the hot pasta to the mixing bowl with the olive oil dressing. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese to the pasta. Gently fold the ingredients together.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to create a light, creamy sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnishing with extra oregano or fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- Temperature Matters: Add hot pasta directly to the olive oil dressing to help the flavors meld and create a more cohesive dish.
- Cheese Selection: Use a high-quality, creamy feta for the best flavor. Greek feta works best, but feel free to experiment with different varieties.
- Fresh is Best: If possible, use fresh cherry tomatoes and add them while they're still slightly warm from the kitchen heat.
- Customize Your Herbs: While dried oregano is traditional, don't be afraid to experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for added complexity.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch, drizzle some high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 352kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg