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Spring Vegetable Pasta with Feta and Basil

This pasta dish combines al dente noodles with fresh cherry tomatoes, spinach, toasted pine nuts, and crumbled feta, creating a vibrant, colorful medley. The ingredients are tossed together with garlic, lemon, and olive oil to develop a creamy, slightly tangy, and herbaceous final texture. The dish showcases a balance of tender pasta, juicy produce, and crunchy nuts with a fresh, bright appearance.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Spring
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lemon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Slotted spoon
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta. Cook until just al dente, usually 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant and lightly golden.
  3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and release juices, filling the kitchen with a sweet aroma.
  4. Stir in the cooked pasta and chopped spinach, tossing gently to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and turns bright green.
  5. Squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle red pepper flakes and salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through, about 1 minute.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the crumbled feta and toasted pine nuts, allowing the feta to slightly melt into the warm pasta and the nuts to add crunch.
  7. Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and garnish with extra basil or herbs if desired. Serve immediately while the dish is bright, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavors.

Notes

Feel free to customize with additional herbs or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.