Ever found yourself daydreaming about a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes—without tasting like just another weeknight meal? Enter: Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Pasta. This easy, Mediterranean-inspired pasta recipe will instantly upgrade your dinner game, using just a handful of pantry staples but delivering bold, tangy, and slightly creamy flavor in every bite.
Honestly, I used to think sun-dried tomatoes were just for fancy salads and expensive deli counters. But when you toss them into a skillet with garlic, feta cheese, and perfectly al dente pasta? It’s a Mediterranean vacation—no plane ticket required. 🍝
Table of Contents
- Why Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Pasta Is a Must-Try
- Ingredients: What Makes This Dish So Special?
- Step-by-Step: How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Pasta
- Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
- Nutrition Facts Table & Key Health Benefits
- Pro Tips, Mistakes to Avoid, and Make-Ahead Suggestions
- Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- FAQs About Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Pasta
- Conclusion & Call to Action
Why Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Pasta Is a Must-Try
What’s the secret to this pasta’s magic? It’s all about contrasts:
- Tangy sun-dried tomatoes meet the salty, creamy bite of feta
- Al dente pasta soaks up a garlicky, herby sauce
- You get richness from olive oil, and a pop of freshness from basil or parsley
It’s comforting yet light, easy but impressive. Plus, this recipe works for every season—serve it hot in winter, or as a cold pasta salad in summer. FYI, it’s a total lifesaver when you have random guests over or need something quick after work.
Personal anecdote:
The first time I made this, my roommate said, “Did you order from that fancy Italian place?” Nope. It’s that good.
Ingredients: What Makes This Dish So Special?
Let’s break down what you need for sun-dried tomato and feta pasta—and why each ingredient matters.
Main Ingredients
- Pasta: Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti (regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free all work).
- Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil): The oil adds flavor—don’t waste it!
- Feta cheese: Choose a block and crumble it yourself for best texture.
- Fresh garlic: Sliced or minced—key for depth.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and richness.
- Baby spinach or arugula (optional): For color and nutrition.
- Crushed red pepper: For a little heat (optional).
- Fresh basil or parsley: For brightness.
- Salt and black pepper
Step-by-Step: How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente (firm but not mushy), usually 1–2 minutes less than package instructions.
- Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large skillet, heat 2–3 tablespoons of the oil from your sun-dried tomato jar over medium heat.
- Add 2–3 minced garlic cloves; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (if using).
3. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Chop sun-dried tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and add to skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Toss in the Pasta and Feta
- Add drained pasta to the skillet.
- Add 3/4 cup crumbled feta and a handful of spinach or arugula (if using).
- Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water until the sauce coats the pasta and becomes creamy.
5. Finish with Herbs
- Remove from heat. Add chopped basil or parsley, season with black pepper, and taste for salt (feta is salty, so you may not need extra).
- Serve hot, or let cool and serve as a pasta salad.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
Want to riff on the classic? Try these twists:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein.
- Toss in kalamata olives for a Greek spin.
- Use goat cheese instead of feta for extra creaminess.
- Add roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes for more color.
- Stir in white beans or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian meal.
- Go spicy with more crushed red pepper or diced fresh chili.
Side note:
This is a “clean out your fridge” meal—leftover veggies or greens are welcome.
Nutrition Facts Table & Key Health Benefits
Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown per serving (about 1/4 of the recipe):
| Ingredient | Calories | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pasta (2 oz dry) | 210 | 42 | 7 | 1.5 |
| Sun-dried tomatoes (1/4 cup) | 70 | 13 | 2 | 1.5 |
| Feta cheese (3 tbsp) | 80 | 1 | 4 | 6 |
| Olive oil (1 tbsp) | 120 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Garlic (1 clove) | 5 | 1 | 0.2 | 0 |
| Spinach (1/2 cup) | 4 | 1 | 0.6 | 0 |
| Total per serving | 489 | 58 | 13.8 | 23 |
Nutrition takeaway:
This dish is a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, especially if you add greens or beans. It’s filling without feeling heavy, and can be adapted for gluten-free or higher-protein diets.
Pro Tips, Mistakes to Avoid, and Make-Ahead Suggestions
Tips for the best pasta:
- Use the oil from your sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor.
- Reserve pasta water: It’s the secret to a silky, cohesive sauce.
- Don’t overcook feta: Add it at the end to keep its creamy, crumbly texture.
- Herbs are key: Don’t skip the fresh basil or parsley!
Common mistakes:
- Skipping the pasta water (the sauce won’t come together as nicely).
- Over-salting before tasting (feta is already salty).
- Using too little oil (don’t be shy—Mediterranean food is all about olive oil!).
Make-ahead:
This pasta reheats beautifully or can be served cold as a Mediterranean pasta salad. Perfect for meal prep!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This pasta is perfect for:
- Quick weeknight dinners
- Meal prep lunches (hot or cold)
- Picnic or potluck sides
Pair it with:
- A crisp green salad
- Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu
- Roasted vegetables
- Warm pita or crusty bread
Wine pairing:
Try a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a fruity rosé for a summery vibe.
FAQs About Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Pasta
Q1: Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta brand.
Q2: Does this dish work as a pasta salad?
Yes! Chill and serve cold—just toss with a bit more olive oil if it looks dry.
Q3: What protein can I add?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or white beans are all great choices.
Q4: Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes not in oil?
You can, but soak them in hot water for 10 minutes and use extra olive oil for richness.
Q5: Is this pasta good for meal prep?
Definitely—it stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and tastes even better as leftovers.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Sun-dried tomato and feta pasta isn’t just another “easy dinner” recipe—it’s a Mediterranean-inspired meal that brings bold flavor, beautiful color, and so much satisfaction to your table. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, packing it for lunch, or serving at your next potluck, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears.
Now it’s your turn! Have you tried this recipe? Added your own twist? Share your ideas, questions, or pasta success stories in the comments below—because every cook makes it their own. Bon appétit! 🍅🧀
External Links
- Sun-Dried Tomato Nutrition – Healthline
- Pasta Cooking Tips – Serious Eats
- Feta Cheese Health Benefits – Medical News Today
