The scent of oregano and garlic sizzling in olive oil always takes me straight to a sun-soaked Greek taverna. This Greek spaghetti captures all those Mediterranean flavors in one gorgeous, tangy bowl. It’s been trending because sometimes you just need pasta that tastes like vacation.
Picture al dente spaghetti tossed with juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and chunks of creamy feta cheese. The magic happens when that feta starts to melt slightly, creating this luscious sauce that clings to every strand. Uses mostly pantry staples, but the dried oregano and good olive oil make all the difference. It’s like a Greek salad decided to become dinner.
Started playing with herb combinations back in 2015 when I was obsessed with finding the perfect oregano-to-basil ratio. My neighbor Maria peeked over the fence one evening, drawn by the smell, and declared it “better than her yiayia’s.” The secret I discovered? Toast the oregano in the oil for just 30 seconds before adding anything else. That little step transforms the whole dish.
PrintGreek Spaghetti Recipe – Delicious and Easy Dinner
Greek Spaghetti is a delicious and easy pasta dish full of rich Greek flavors in each bite. This Mediterranean Spaghetti is perfect as a main or side dish for family-friendly meals and healthy Greek pasta lovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
- Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water and drain the remaining water.
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pasta, toss and set aside.
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Sauté the diced onions until soft.
- Add garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add cherry tomatoes to the pan with the remaining olive oil and sauté until softened.
- Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add the kalamata olives, lemon juice, vinegar and seasonings and cook for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and add the cooked spaghetti. Toss to coat.
- Add the feta and fresh sliced basil and toss to combine.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil or parsley and serve.
Why This Greek Spaghetti Will Win Your Heart
This Greek spaghetti is everything I love about Mediterranean cooking – bold flavors that somehow feel comforting and familiar. The combination of tangy feta, briny olives, and fresh herbs creates an incredible depth that makes regular pasta night feel like a special occasion.
What makes this dish so appealing is how the ingredients work together. The cherry tomatoes break down just enough to create a light sauce, while the feta cheese melts slightly to bind everything with creamy richness. It’s essentially a warm Greek salad tossed with pasta, and trust me, it’s absolutely magical.
Pro Tip: The key is using good olive oil and not overcooking the vegetables – you want them to maintain some texture and brightness.
Ingredients That Make the Magic Happen
Every ingredient in this Greek pasta recipe plays a starring role. The kalamata olives bring that distinctive briny punch, a flavor that instantly evokes the Mediterranean, while the fresh baby spinach wilts down to add color and nutrition without overwhelming the dish.
The real game-changer is the combination of lemon juice and red wine vinegar – it creates a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the feta and olive oil. Fresh basil adds that aromatic finish that makes the whole kitchen smell incredible.
- Quality matters: Use the best olive oil you can afford
- Feta choice: Block feta crumbles better than pre-crumbled
- Tomato tip: Cherry tomatoes hold their shape better than larger varieties
| Ingredient | Best Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kalamata olives | Black olives or green olives | Won’t be as briny but still delicious |
| Feta cheese | Goat cheese or ricotta | Different texture but similar creaminess |
| Baby spinach | Arugula or kale | Arugula adds peppery bite |
| Red wine vinegar | White wine vinegar | Slightly less complex flavor |
Step-by-Step Success
The beauty of this easy Greek dinner lies in its simplicity – most of the magic happens in one skillet while your pasta cooks. Start by getting your pasta water boiling first, then begin the vegetable mixture so everything comes together at the same time.
The secret to perfectly cooked vegetables is layering them in the right order. Onions go first since they need the most time, followed by garlic for just a minute, then tomatoes get several minutes to soften and release their juices.
Timing is everything: Add the spinach last since it wilts in seconds, and always remove the pan from heat before adding the feta to prevent it from becoming rubbery.
Troubleshooting Your Greek Spaghetti
If your pasta seems dry, don’t panic – this is where that reserved pasta water becomes your best friend. Add it a tablespoon at a time until you reach the perfect consistency. The starchy water helps bind everything together beautifully.
- Feta too salty? Rinse it gently under cold water before crumbling
- Vegetables overcooked? Next time, keep the heat at medium and watch the timing
- Lacking flavor? Taste and adjust the lemon juice, salt, and oregano
Note: This dish is meant to be eaten warm, not piping hot, so don’t worry if it cools down a bit while you’re plating.
Serving and Storage Made Simple
This Mediterranean spaghetti is perfect as a main dish for dinner, but it also makes an excellent side for grilled chicken or fish. I love serving it with some crusty bread to soak up any extra olive oil and juices.
Leftovers actually taste amazing the next day – the flavors have time to meld together even more. You can eat it cold as a pasta salad or gently reheat it with a splash of olive oil or pasta water.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Meal prep or leftovers |
| Room temperature | 2 hours max | Serving at parties |
| Reheating | Add 1-2 tbsp olive oil | Prevents sticking |
Serving suggestion: Garnish with extra fresh basil and a drizzle of your best olive oil right before serving – it makes all the difference in presentation and flavor.
Expert Insight: The Charm of Greek Spaghetti
Greek spaghetti combines simple, fresh ingredients that emphasize balance and bold Mediterranean flavors. This dish demonstrates how olive oil, garlic, and herbs elevate pasta without relying on heavy sauces, making it both satisfying and approachable for everyday meals.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
Mastering the Comfort of Greek Spaghetti
Perfecting this Greek spaghetti recipe was a slow dance of flavorsseveral attempts later, I finally found the balance between tangy tomatoes and creamy feta. One batch taught me the importance of letting the sauce simmer gently, a lesson that turned everyday ingredients into a warm, inviting dish full of soul and comfort.
FAQs ( Greek Spaghetti )
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can use a plant-based protein or simply increase the amount of feta and vegetables like spinach or zucchini. This meal shines with fresh ingredients, so adding olives or artichokes adds depth. Skip any meat options for a fully vegetarian, family-friendly Greek recipe that’s just as delicious.
What type of pasta works best?
Traditional spaghetti strands work well to hold the sauce and feta, but feel free to use other long pasta shapes like linguine or bucatini for a twist. Avoid very thick pasta to keep the dish light and balanced. Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture in this Mediterranean spaghetti.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh to keep the feta creamy and the tomatoes vibrant. You can prep ingredients like chopped tomatoes and herbs ahead, but combine them just before serving. If needed, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to preserve texture.
How do I stop the feta from getting too salty?
Drain the feta well and consider rinsing briefly under cold water if it’s very salty. Use fresh feta rather than aged to keep salt levels moderate. Adding juicy tomatoes and a splash of pasta water balances the saltiness naturally in the dish.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Light salads with cucumbers, olives, and lemon dressing complement the flavors without overpowering the meal. Serve with warm pita or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables or a simple grilled chicken breast can round out the meal for a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
This Greek spaghetti comes together in just 20 minutes, yet the flavors taste like they’ve been simmering for hours. You’ll love how the feta melts into silky ribbons while the oregano perfumes every bite. The combination of tangy tomatoes and briny olives creates this incredibly satisfying Mediterranean comfort that feels both familiar and exciting.
Try swapping the spinach for peppery arugula, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat. Leftover pasta actually improves overnight the olive oil and herbs meld beautifully in the fridge. A trick I learned from testing countless herb combinations: always taste your oregano first, since some varieties are much more potent than others.
I’d love to see your own Greek spaghetti creations tag me in your photos! Did you grow up with Mediterranean flavors, or is this a delicious new adventure for your family? Save this recipe for those nights when you want something special without the fuss. There’s something magical about pasta that tastes like sunshine.
