Feta and Vegetable Pasta Recipe

This feta and vegetable pasta dish is a vibrant and satisfying meal that combines fresh vegetables with creamy feta cheese. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch.

The recipe is simple and can be customized with your favorite seasonal vegetables. It highlights the flavors of garlic, olive oil, and herbs, making it a delightful option for pasta lovers.

Vibrant Ingredients

This feta and vegetable pasta shines with a variety of colorful ingredients.

Zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes bring freshness and brightness to the dish.

Each vegetable contributes its unique flavor and texture, making every bite a delightful experience.

The combination of these vegetables not only enhances the visual appeal but also offers a range of nutrients.

Zucchini adds a mild sweetness, while bell peppers provide a crunchy contrast.

Cherry tomatoes burst with juiciness, creating a harmonious blend that pairs perfectly with pasta.

Cooking the Pasta

To achieve the perfect pasta, start by boiling salted water in a large pot.

Choosing the right pasta shape is essential; options like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work wonderfully.

Cook the pasta until it reaches an al dente texture, ensuring it maintains a slight bite.

Once cooked, draining the pasta is crucial to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Setting it aside allows the flavors of the sautéed vegetables to shine when combined later.

This step is key to creating a balanced dish that highlights both the pasta and the vibrant vegetables.

Sautéing the Vegetables

The next step involves sautéing the vegetables to bring out their natural flavors.

Heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat creates a fragrant base for the dish.

Adding diced zucchini and bell peppers first allows them to soften and caramelize slightly, enhancing their sweetness.

Incorporating minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes elevates the dish further.

The garlic infuses the oil with its aromatic essence, while the tomatoes add a juicy burst.

Cooking these ingredients together for just a few minutes ensures they remain vibrant and retain their individual characteristics.

Combining Flavors

Once the vegetables are sautéed, it’s time to bring everything together.

Adding the cooked pasta to the skillet allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Sprinkling in dried oregano, along with salt and pepper, enhances the Mediterranean essence of the dish.

Tossing everything together ensures that each piece of pasta is coated with the delicious vegetable mixture.

This step is where the dish transforms into a cohesive meal, ready to be garnished and served.

The combination of textures and flavors creates a satisfying experience for the palate.

Finishing Touches

The final touch involves folding in crumbled feta cheese, which adds a creamy and tangy element.

This cheese not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the dish’s visual appeal with its contrasting white color.

Garnishing with fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, making the dish even more inviting.

Serving the pasta warm allows the flavors to shine, making it an ideal choice for a comforting meal.

The rustic wooden table setting adds to the charm, creating a cozy atmosphere for enjoying this delightful dish.

With a fork resting beside the bowl, it invites you to dig in and savor every bite.

Nutritional Benefits

This feta and vegetable pasta is not just a treat for the taste buds; it also offers nutritional benefits.

With a balance of carbohydrates from the pasta and protein from the feta, it makes for a well-rounded meal.

The inclusion of fresh vegetables adds essential vitamins and minerals, supporting a healthy diet.

At approximately 350 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying option without being overly heavy.

The healthy fats from olive oil contribute to heart health, while the variety of vegetables provides fiber and antioxidants.

This dish is perfect for those seeking a nutritious yet delicious meal option.

Easy Feta and Vegetable Pasta Recipe

This pasta dish features al dente pasta tossed with sautéed vegetables and crumbled feta cheese. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini and bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are slightly softened.
4. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until well combined.
5. Add Feta: Remove from heat and gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
6. Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 350kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 45g