Easy Spinach and Feta Pasta: A Healthy 20-Minute Weeknight Meal

Last Updated on March 2, 2026 by Janell

This simple, vibrant Spinach and Feta Pasta is the ultimate recipe for busy nights when you need something nutritious on the table fast. Made with just a handful of budget-friendly ingredients, it blends creamy, salty feta cheese with fresh, vibrant spinach and garlic for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor that your whole family will love.

I love that this dish is both healthy and incredibly satisfying, without requiring hours in the kitchen. If you are looking for a quick dinner that saves you time and dinero, this is it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Budget-Friendly: Most of these ingredients are likely already in your pantry or fridge.
• Fast: You can make this entire meal in the time it takes to boil the pasta.
• Nutritious: Fresh spinach provides a massive boost of vitamins and antioxidants.
• Versatile: It’s easy to customize with your favorite proteins or extra vegetables.

Spinach and Feta Pasta Recipe

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz. Penne pasta (about half a standard box)
• 1 can (28-oz) diced tomatoes (do not drain)
• 3 cups fresh spinach, packed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 5-6 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta: Cook the penne in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Important: Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
2. Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta is boiling, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
3. Simmer Tomatoes: Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes (including the juice). Stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly and develop the flavors.
4. Wilt the Spinach: Add the 3 cups of fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir gently for 1–2 minutes until the leaves are just wilted and bright green.
5. Combine: Toss in the drained pasta and the crumbled feta cheese. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of your reserved pasta water to make it silky.
6. Season & Serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything one last time until the feta is slightly softened and the pasta is well-coated. Serve immediately while hot!

Tips for the Best Spinach & Feta Pasta

• Save the Pasta Water: This is my number one tip! Before you drain your cooked penne, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Adding a splash of this liquid to your skillet at the end helps create a light, silky sauce that helps the feta cling to the pasta.
• Watch the Salt: Feta cheese is naturally quite salty. Make sure to taste your final dish before adding extra salt to avoid over-seasoning. A generous crack of black pepper is often all you need.
• Wilt, Don’t Overcook: Add the fresh spinach at the very, very end. It only needs about 1-2 minutes to wilt from the residual heat in the skillet, keeping its bright color and nutrients intact.

Easy Variations

This recipe is a wonderful “blank canvas.” Here are a few ways to mix it up:

• Add Protein: This pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even a can of drained chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost.
• Mediterranean Twist: Stir in half a cup of Kalamata olives or a tablespoon of capers for a more intense Greek flavor profile.
• Make it Creamy: For an extra decadent version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese along with the feta.

This recipe serves 4. You can easily double the ingredients if you have a larger family or want to save money with leftovers!