Penne with Tomatoes and Feta

Indulge in the irresistible simplicity of Penne with Tomatoes and Feta, a quick yet elegant meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe combines tender penne pasta with juicy, sautéed cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a creamy, tangy crumble of feta cheese. Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant touch, while a hint of red pepper flakes delivers a subtle kick of heat. The magic lies in finishing the dish with reserved pasta water, creating a luscious, light sauce that clings to every bite. Ready in just 35 minutes and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, this easy pasta dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it warm and garnish with additional basil for a beautiful, restaurant-worthy presentation.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 whole garlic cloves
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 6 oz feta cheese
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup reserved pasta water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Finely mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4

Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to release their juices.

Step 5

Crumble the feta cheese and set aside.

Step 6

Add the drained penne to the skillet with the tomatoes. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring, until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.

Step 8

Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the ingredients are well combined and the feta begins to melt slightly.

Step 9

Roughly chop the fresh basil leaves and add them to the skillet. Stir gently to incorporate.

Step 10

Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of feta if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(989.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2003.4

Total Fat 71.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.7g
Cholesterol 151.4mg	0%
Sodium 4322.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 273.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.4g	0%
Total Sugars 7.9g
Protein 71.1g	0%

Vitamin D 27.2IU	0%
Calcium 923.6mg	0%
Iron 15.7mg	0%
Potassium 1634.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.9%

Protein: 14.1%

Carbs: 54.1%