Greek Spaghetti

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Crafting the perfect Greek Spaghetti is like a culinary passport to Greece, delivering vibrant flavors and a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table. This dish is an excellent choice for those leisurely weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends, where the ultimate goal is to savor good food and great company. With its simple yet delightful combination of fresh ingredients and a tangy kick from lemon and feta, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your home.

Reasons to Try It

You won’t just love Greek Spaghetti; you’ll crave it. Here’s why you should give it a whirl:

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fresh veggies and wholesome ingredients, Greek Spaghetti is both heart-healthy and bursting with flavors. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in greens!
Family-Friendly: With its vibrant colors and delightful taste, it’s sure to please both kids and adults. The sweetness of cherry tomatoes combined with the saltiness of feta makes it a hit!

“This Greek Spaghetti is a game-changer! Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. My family devoured it in no time!”

The Cooking Process Explained

Creating mouthwatering Greek Spaghetti doesn’t require culinary expertise; it’s all about combining fresh ingredients for a delightful dish. Follow these steps for a seamless cooking experience: gather your ingredients, cook the pasta, sauté the vegetables, and then mix everything together for a cozy meal that could impress even the toughest critics.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to whip up this delectable dish:

1 lb spaghetti
4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1 small red onion (finely diced)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
Juice of half a lemon
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
2 cups fresh baby spinach
⅓ cup pitted kalamata olives (sliced)
4 oz crumbled feta cheese
4-5 fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced)
Optional* fresh chopped basil or parsley (for garnish)

Feel free to swap out kalamata olives for green olives if you prefer a milder flavor, or use a vegan feta for a dairy-free option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Plate of Greek spaghetti topped with feta cheese and olives

Cook Spaghetti: Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the package directions. Once cooked, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
Toss with Olive Oil: Mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the drained spaghetti and set it aside.
Sauté Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onions until they become soft, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Garlic: Incorporate minced garlic into the pan, sautéing for an additional minute until fragrant.
Cook Cherry Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes with the remaining olive oil. Sauté for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften and burst.
Include Spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Mix in Olives and Seasonings: Stir in the sliced kalamata olives, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper, cooking for about 1 minute.
Combine with Spaghetti: Remove the skillet from the heat, then add the cooked spaghetti and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta with the vegetable mixture.
Add Feta and Basil: Gently fold in the crumbled feta and fresh basil leaves, giving it one more toss to combine.
Garnish and Serve: Serve your Greek Spaghetti warm, garnished with extra fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serving Greek Spaghetti is all about making it appealing and enjoyable for your guests or family. You can:

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley not only brightens the dish but adds an aromatic touch.
Pair with a Salad: Serve with a side of Greek salad for a complete meal that’s full of flavor and texture.
A Glass of Wine: Complement your meal with a glass of crisp white wine or a light red for an extra special touch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep those delectable leftovers fresh, consider these storage tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover Greek Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to keep the pasta moist. You can microwave it covered or warm in a skillet on low heat.
Freezing Tip: If you’d like to freeze, do so before adding feta, as the texture changes when frozen. It can keep well for about a month in the freezer.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Here are some pro tips to elevate your Greek Spaghetti experience:

Choose Seasonally Ripe Tomatoes: Using high-quality, fresh tomatoes will truly enhance the dish’s flavor.
Adjust for Spice: If you enjoy heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for an extra kick.
Experiment with Cheeses: Try adding different cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta for a new twist.

Creative Twists

Feel free to spruce up your Greek Spaghetti with these fun variations:

Add Proteins: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost.
Herbs and Spices: Experiment by varying your herbs; dill or thyme could provide an interesting flavor profile.
Rotating Veggies: Substitute or add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts for more color and nutrition.

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for Greek Spaghetti?
The total prep time usually takes about 10 minutes, and cooking will take around 20 minutes.
Can I use gluten-free spaghetti?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works well here, just be sure to monitor the cooking time closely as it may differ.
How do I ensure my spaghetti doesn’t stick?
Tossing it with olive oil right after cooking helps prevent sticking. Also, stirring frequently while it’s cooking can be beneficial.

Greek Spaghetti is not just a meal, it’s an experience. With its delightful medley of flavors and nourishing ingredients, you’ll find yourself returning for seconds. Enjoy every bite!