Feta Tomato Pasta: A Simple, Flavorful Dish That Will Impress
This Feta Tomato Pasta recipe is a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. It's bursting with fresh flavors and requires minimal ingredients, making it a budget-friendly option too. This recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to adjust it to your liking and dietary needs. Let's dive into the simple steps!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Making the Sauce:
-
Sauté the garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
-
Simmer the tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Combining and Serving:
-
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
-
Stir in the feta: Remove the skillet from the heat and gently stir in the crumbled feta cheese. The heat from the pasta will help melt the feta slightly, creating a creamy texture.
-
Serve and garnish: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Tips and Variations:
- Add some protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked sausage, chicken, or shrimp to the pasta.
- Boost the vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spice it up: If you like a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Creamy version: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or ricotta cheese along with the feta for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Lemon zest: A little lemon zest adds a bright, zesty note to the dish.
Why This Feta Tomato Pasta Recipe is a Winner:
This recipe is a fantastic weeknight meal because it’s:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Budget-friendly: Utilizes simple, affordable ingredients.
- Delicious and satisfying: The combination of feta, tomatoes, and pasta is simply irresistible.
- Highly customizable: Easily adapted to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
This Feta Tomato Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using #FetaTomatoPasta. Happy cooking!
