Imagine a pasta dish that bursts with color, flavor, and nutrition in just 30 minutes - this Red Pepper Sauce Pasta with Spinach and Feta is about to become your new weeknight obsession! Combining the sweet roasted notes of red bell peppers, the creamy tang of feta, and the fresh earthiness of spinach, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 red bell peppers
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the red pepper sauce. Roughly chop the red bell peppers and peel the garlic cloves.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add chopped red bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are soft and slightly caramelized.
- Transfer the cooked peppers and garlic to a blender. Blend until smooth, creating a vibrant red pepper sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the skillet to medium heat. Pour the blended red pepper sauce back into the pan.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Gently fold in fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt slightly from the heat of the pasta and sauce.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. The residual heat will slightly warm the cheese.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh cracked pepper or herbs if desired. Enjoy your Red Pepper Sauce Pasta with Spinach and Feta!
Tips
- For the smoothest sauce, roast your red peppers slightly before blending to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial - its starchy consistency helps bind the sauce perfectly to the pasta.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the most authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Don't overcook the spinach - it should just barely wilt to maintain its bright green color and nutrients.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas to make the dish more substantial.
- Choose a pasta shape with ridges like rigatoni or penne, which will help capture more of the delicious red pepper sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 54g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
