Name: Greek Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 12 oz. dry spaghetti; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 4 garlic cloves (minced); 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (cut in half); ¾ cup black slices Kalamata olives; ½ cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 teaspoons Greek seasoning; 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This Greek Spaghetti recipe brings together classic spaghetti with the bold flavors of the Mediterranean. Tender pasta tossed with garlic-infused olive oil, sweet cherry tomatoes, salty Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese. With a sprinkle of Greek seasoning and fresh basil, it’s an elegant dish that is easy enough for a busy weeknight dinner too.

Table of Contents

Hearty and comforting pasta dishes are up there as being my favorite foods of all time. Whether they are warm dishes like Baked Chicken Spaghetti or cool and refreshing such as Taco Pasta Salad, I am a true carb lover.

For a long time, I stayed too comfortably in a red sauce or meat sauce pasta rut. Why not mix it up now and then with a twist of taste?

This Greek Spaghetti features ingredients that are stapes in a Mediterranean diet. A satisfying meal or side dish that will win over hearts, with one bite.

Yet we know delicious isn’t the only thing we look for in a wonderful recipe. This greek pasta recipe is also quick and easy to make.

Ready and on the table in under 25 minutes means it’s ideal for busy weeknights – especially those lazy days when you need a good meal and fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy – In just 25 minutes, this recipe can be a main dish or side dish.
Delicious – Full of wholesome fresh ingredients and Greek flavors.
Versatile – This simple pasta dish allows for swaps to suit preference and availability.
Make it Ahead – Easily cook the pasta and sauce ahead of time, then combine when it’s time!

Total Time: 25 Minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients and Notes

Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make this greek pasta dish. As always, the full recipe is on the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Spaghetti – I use spaghetti for this recipe, because I prefer a long pasta with light sauces. Yet you can use any type of pasta that you want.
Oil – Use extra virgin olive oil will add the right amount of flavor to compliment the other ingredients.
Garlic – Fresh garlic is best for this recipe, yet jarred minced garlic will work as well.
Cherry Tomatoes – Cherry or grape tomatoes are a top choice because they are small and juicy, and add that pop of bright color. You can use other fresh tomatoes, yet I’d say only if necessary.
Kalamata olives – This kind of olive, with a salty and briny flavor, are a classic Greek ingredient. If necessary, you can substitute Kalamata with black olives, green olives, or even capers.
Feta Cheese – Another classic Greek ingredient, crumbled feta compliments all the other ingredients perfectly. Goat cheese or ricotta would be a substitute, yet only when necessary.
Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, and Greek Seasoning are used in this recipe.
Basil – Fresh basil adds a distinct flavor to pasta dishes. It’s not the same without, in my opinion.

Tips for Success

Ensure your spaghetti is cooked al dente for the best texture. Follow the package instructions but taste-test a few minutes before the suggested time.
Add the cherry tomatoes towards the end of cooking to preserve their juicy texture and vibrant color.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more Greek seasoning or salt and pepper to suit your preferences.
Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. It can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.
As this tasty dish sits, the more the flavors will mingle and infuse together.

How to Make Greek Spaghetti

This might appear at first glance to be a lot of steps, but it’s just thorough. Trust me, this is an easy recipe!

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add a teaspoon of salt to the boiling.
Add the dry spaghetti to the pot and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once cooked, drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside. Reserve about a cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the cherry tomatoes and the Greek Seasonning to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
Stir in the black Kalamata olives and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the spaghetti evenly with the sauce.
If the spaghetti seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce and help it adhere to the pasta.
Stir in half of the crumbled feta cheese, reserving the rest for garnish.
Transfer the Greek spaghetti to serving plates or a large serving dish.
Garnish with the remaining crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs (fresh chopped basil).
Serve hot, and enjoy!

What to Serve with Greek Spaghetti

Whether you are serving this greek spaghetti with feta as a main meal, or a side dish – here are some ideas on what to serve with greek spaghetti.

Grilled Greek Chicken – with the Best Greek Marinade!
Air Fryer Garlic Bread and Tzatziki
Green salad or greek salad with red onion and a light greek dressing.

Recipe Variations

Protein Addition: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas or tofu for some extra protein and for a heartier meal.
More Vegetables: Add more of the same or add new ones if you wish. Carrots, snap peas and fresh spinach (added at the end, with feta) are a great choice.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.

How to Reheat

Use the microwave or a pan on the stove and reheat this greek spaghetti recipe until hot. You might need to add a bit of water to prevent this recipe for greek pasta from drying out.

Can I make this ahead of time?

While this recipe for greek spaghetti is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them when ready to serve. Keep the cooked spaghetti and sauce separate until you’re ready to combine them.

FAQs about Greek Spaghetti

While spaghetti is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer to make this greek spaghetti recipe. Penne, fusilli, or even orzo would work well with these flavors.

If you can’t find Kalamata olives, you can substitute them with any other variety of black olives. However, Kalamata olives have a distinct flavor that adds authenticity to the dish.

Greek seasoning adds a unique blend of flavors, but you can substitute it with a combination of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic powder. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste.

This recipe is not spicy, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.

More Pasta Recipes to Try

Greek Spaghetti

Take your taste buds on a Mediterranean journey with this flavorful Greek spaghetti dish. Easy to make, ready in 25 minutes, and incredibly tasty – it's great for busy weeknights or an elegant meal for guests.

5 from 4 votes

Print Pin

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 25

Servings: servings

Course: Main Dishes

Cuisine: Greek

Author: Tammi

Ingredients

12 oz. dry spaghetti
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
¾ cup black slices Kalamata olives
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 teaspoons Greek seasoning
1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add a teaspoon of salt to the boiling water.
Add the dry spaghetti to the pot and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once cooked, drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside. Reserve about a cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the cherry tomatoes and the Greek Seasonning to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
Stir in the black Kalamata olives and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the spaghetti evenly with the sauce.
If the spaghetti seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce and help it adhere to the pasta.
Stir in half of the crumbled feta cheese, reserving the rest for garnish.
Transfer the Greek spaghetti to serving plates or a large serving dish.
Garnish with the remaining crumbled feta cheese and fresh chopped basil.
Serve hot.