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To make this dish, you need simple and fresh items. Here’s the list: - 12 oz (340g) pasta of choice (penne or fusilli works well) - 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup crumbled feta cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 onion, finely chopped - 3 cups vegetable broth (or water) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick) - Fresh parsley for garnish Each ingredient adds a layer of flavor. The feta gives creaminess, while the spinach adds color and nutrients. You can also include extras to boost taste: - Lemon zest for brightness - Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist - A splash of heavy cream if you want more richness These additions can take your dish to the next level. They enhance flavor without adding much prep time. Not all ingredients are set in stone. Here are some swaps: - Use whole wheat pasta for more fiber. - If you don't have feta, try goat cheese or ricotta. - Vegetable broth can be switched with chicken broth for a different taste. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have. Cooking should be fun and flexible! Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them soft and fragrant. This step builds a strong flavor base for your dish. Next, pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add your 12 oz of pasta. Use penne or fusilli for the best results. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, which usually takes 8-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. When the pasta is close to done, toss in 4 cups of chopped fresh spinach and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Mix them in well. The heat will wilt the spinach and warm the tomatoes. Once the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat to low. Now, stir in 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese. This will melt and create a creamy sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like a kick, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix everything well to combine the flavors. Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley for a lovely touch. Enjoy your meal! To get a smooth and creamy sauce, use high-quality feta cheese. Crumble it finely for easy melting. Adding it at the end helps it blend well with the pasta. Stir gently as it melts into the dish. This creates a rich texture. If you want more creaminess, mix in a splash of milk or cream. You can also add a bit of pasta water to thin it out while keeping the flavor. Cooking pasta in broth brings extra flavor. Make sure to watch the time closely. Check the package for cooking times. Stir the pasta often to avoid sticking. Test it a minute before the time is up. The pasta should be al dente, meaning it has a slight bite. If it cooks too long, it can turn mushy. Remember, it will continue to cook a bit after you turn off the heat. Meal prep makes life easier. You can chop the vegetables and garlic ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. You can also pre-measure the pasta and seasonings. When you’re ready to cook, it all comes together quickly. If you want to make this dish a day in advance, just store it in an airtight container. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving. This dish tastes great even when made ahead! {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your One-Pot Creamy Spinach Feta Pasta. Chicken is a great option. Simply dice chicken breast and sauté it with the onion and garlic. Cook until it is no longer pink. Tofu is another option for a plant-based dish. Use firm tofu, cut it into cubes, and sauté it similarly. Both options boost the dish's flavor and make it more filling. To make this dish vegan, swap the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative. You can use vegan cream cheese or cashew cheese for a creamy texture. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. Make sure the broth is vegetable-based and check the pasta for vegan-friendly options. This way, you keep the rich taste while staying vegan. You can use various pasta types for this dish. Each type has a different cooking time. Here are some common choices: - Penne: Cook for about 10-12 minutes. - Fusilli: Cook for about 8-10 minutes. - Spaghetti: Cook for about 10-12 minutes. - Farfalli (Bowtie): Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Always check the package for specific cooking times. Adjust the timing as needed for the perfect texture in your creamy pasta dish. To store your One-Pot Creamy Spinach Feta Pasta, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Make sure to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. It will stay good for about three to four days in the fridge. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key. Use a pot over low heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water. This will help keep the pasta creamy and moist. Stir often until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Cover the dish and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to make sure it heats evenly. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, divide it into portions and place each in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can last in the freezer for about two to three months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it on the stove or in the microwave. Enjoy your dish just like fresh! Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well. Frozen spinach is already cooked, so add it later in the cooking process. It helps to keep the dish fresh and bright. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many options, like rice or chickpea pasta. Follow the cooking time on the package. The rest of the recipe remains the same. You can serve this dish with a side salad. A simple green salad pairs well. Garlic bread also makes a great side. For a heartier meal, try grilled chicken or shrimp alongside. This article covered how to make One-Pot Creamy Spinach Feta Pasta. We went through the main ingredients, optional flavor boosts, and swapping tips. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and tricks for a creamy sauce. I also shared meal prep ideas and fun variations, along with storage tips. In summary, this dish is easy to make and adaptable. You can fit it into your meals anytime. Enjoy crafting your version of this tasty pasta dish!

One-Pot Creamy Spinach Feta Pasta

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this One-Pot Creamy Spinach Feta Pasta recipe! Packed with fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and rich feta, this dish is incredibly simple and perfect for busy weeknights. In just 25 minutes, you can create a creamy and flavorful meal that everyone will love. Don't miss out on this delicious recipe—click through to start cooking and elevate your dinner game today!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) pasta of choice (penne or fusilli works well)

4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 onion, finely chopped

3 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

    Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-12 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

      Incorporate Spinach and Tomatoes: As the pasta cooks, add the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine. The heat will wilt the spinach and soften the tomatoes.

        Creamy Element: Once the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat to low and stir in the crumbled feta cheese. Mix until the cheese starts to melt and creates a creamy sauce.

          Season and Serve: Add dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Give everything a good stir to combine.

            Garnish and Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4