The Best Greek Spaghetti Recipe Every Family Will Love

My grandmother’s secret greek spaghetti recipe always sparked curiosity around our dinner table.

Generations of home cooks perfected this Mediterranean comfort dish with simple ingredients.

Pasta lovers appreciate the robust flavors dancing through each twirled bite.

Salt and herbs whisper stories of coastal landscapes and rustic kitchens.

Authentic techniques blend tomatoes, olives, and feta into a symphony of taste.

Our family cherishes this recipe as a connection to our roots.

One forkful transports you to sunny Greek islands with bold, vibrant notes.

Dive in and savor every delicious moment of culinary tradition.

How To Cook Greek Spaghetti

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water following package instructions.

Save a quarter cup of pasta water before draining.

Drizzle olive oil over the pasta and gently toss to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Onions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent.

Step 3: Infuse Garlic Flavor

Introduce minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 60 seconds, releasing its fragrant aroma.

Step 4: Roast Juicy Tomatoes

Add cherry tomatoes to the pan with a splash of olive oil.

Cook for several minutes until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst.

Step 5: Wilt Fresh Spinach

Toss baby spinach into the skillet and cook until the leaves become tender and vibrant green.

Step 6: Elevate with Mediterranean Accents

• Kalamata olives
• Fresh lemon juice
• Vinegar
• Seasonings

Stir and cook for one minute to blend flavors.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Vegetables

Remove skillet from heat.

Add cooked spaghetti and gently toss to ensure even coating with the vegetable mixture.

Step 8: Finish with Creamy Feta and Herbs

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and fresh sliced basil over the pasta.

Toss one final time to distribute ingredients.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with additional fresh basil or parsley.

Plate and serve immediately while warm.

Pro Tips For Greek Spaghetti

• Save a quarter cup of pasta water to help the sauce cling perfectly to the spaghetti, creating a silky and flavorful coating.
• Sauté vegetables in stages to maintain their individual textures and prevent overcooking, ensuring each ingredient remains vibrant and fresh.
• Toast the garlic briefly to release its aromatic oils without burning, enhancing the overall depth of the dish's taste profile.
• Add feta after removing the pan from heat to prevent it from melting completely, maintaining delightful cheese chunks throughout the pasta.
• Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the Greek-inspired spaghetti's visual and flavor appeal.

Store And Reheat Greek Spaghetti Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, and cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Feta and basil are best added fresh after reheating to maintain their vibrant flavor and texture. Discard if the pasta develops an off smell or shows signs of spoilage.

Great Sides For Greek Spaghetti

• Refreshing Retsina Pairing: Complement the Greek spaghetti's bright, tangy flavors with a crisp Retsina wine from Greece, enhancing the dish's Mediterranean essence with its pine-resin notes and zesty character.
• Mediterranean Mezze Companion: Serve alongside traditional Greek appetizers like tzatziki, dolmades, or grilled halloumi to create a complete Mediterranean dining experience that amplifies the pasta's herbal and citrusy undertones.
• Crisp Citrus Spritzer Match: Pair with a homemade lemon-mint spritzer or sparkling water with fresh lemon slices, cutting through the richness of feta and providing a refreshing counterpoint to the olives and herbs.
• Bold Greek Red Wine Selection: Choose a robust Greek red like Agiorgitiko or Xinomavro to stand up to the salty olives and tangy feta, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that celebrates the dish's Greek roots.

Fun Greek Spaghetti Variations

• Vegan Greek Pasta: Replace feta with cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. Swap olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Noodles: Use zucchini noodles or gluten-free spaghetti made from chickpea or rice flour. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Greek Zoodle Bowl: Substitute spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles. Reduce olive oil quantity and increase vegetable portions for a lighter meal.
• Protein-Packed Greek Pasta: Add grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or chickpeas to increase protein content. Include tofu cubes for a vegetarian protein boost.

FAQs

• What makes Greek spaghetti different from traditional pasta dishes?

Greek spaghetti combines Mediterranean flavors like kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs to create a unique and tangy taste profile that sets it apart from typical Italian pasta recipes.

• Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, this Greek spaghetti recipe is completely vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by omitting the feta cheese or using a plant-based cheese alternative.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?

While fresh basil provides the best flavor, you can substitute dried basil. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead of fresh, adding it during the cooking process to help release its flavor.

• How spicy is this Greek spaghetti?

The recipe is not inherently spicy. If you want to add heat, you can include red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the cooking process to give it a slight kick.

Why Greek Spaghetti Is So Flavorful

• Nutritious Delight: Packed with fresh vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, and olives, this recipe offers a wholesome and balanced meal that's both tasty and healthy.
• Quick and Convenient: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in just a few simple steps, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• Mediterranean Flavor Explosion: Experience a burst of tangy feta, zesty lemon, and rich kalamata olives that transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece.

Greek Spaghetti Ingredient List

• Spaghetti: Classic Italian pasta that serves as the foundation of this Greek-inspired dish.

• Onions: Sweet and savory base for building flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth to the sauce.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bright and juicy small tomatoes that provide freshness.
• Baby Spinach: Tender green that adds nutrition and color.
• Kalamata Olives: Tangy Greek olives with rich, salty flavor.

• Olive Oil: Rich and smooth Mediterranean cooking oil.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus that adds zesty tang.
• Vinegar: Acidic ingredient for balance.
• Salt: Basic seasoning for enhancing overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Warm and slightly spicy ground spice.

• Feta Cheese: Crumbly Greek cheese with salty and tangy profile.
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic herb with sweet and peppery notes.
• Parsley: Fresh green herb for garnish.

Greek Spaghetti Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Greek spaghetti brings Mediterranean magic to your dinner table with zesty feta, tangy tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. Savory olive oil and crumbled cheese create an irresistible Mediterranean escape you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) spaghetti
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 4 oz (113 grams) crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4–5 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Juice of half a lemon

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh chopped basil or parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the spaghetti by cooking it according to package instructions, preserving a quarter cup of starchy water before draining completely.
2. Coat the cooked pasta with a splash of olive oil and set aside, ensuring each strand remains separated.
3. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
4. Introduce diced onions to the hot pan, gently sautéing until they transform into translucent, soft morsels.
5. Incorporate minced garlic into the onion mixture, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom for approximately one minute.
6. Tumble cherry tomatoes into the skillet, stirring occasionally and letting them soften and slightly burst, releasing their natural sweetness.
7. Gently fold baby spinach into the vegetable medley, watching it wilt and integrate seamlessly with the other ingredients.
8. Sprinkle kalamata olives into the pan, then splash in lemon juice and vinegar to elevate the flavor profile.
9. Dust the mixture with desired seasonings, allowing them to meld together for a brief moment.
10. Remove the skillet from heat and introduce the prepared spaghetti, tossing meticulously to ensure even coating.
11. Crumble feta cheese and scatter fresh basil over the pasta, giving a final, gentle stir to distribute the ingredients.
12. Plate the spaghetti, garnishing with additional herbs for a vibrant presentation, and serve immediately.

Notes

• Save some pasta water to help create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the spaghetti strands.
• Toast the garlic briefly to enhance its flavor without burning, which can make it taste bitter.
• Use high-quality kalamata olives for an authentic Mediterranean taste that adds rich, briny depth to the dish.
• For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or shrimp to make the meal more substantial and satisfying.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 384 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg