Mediterranean Zucchini and Feta Pasta
A vibrant summer dish with roasted zucchini, creamy feta, and fragrant herbs tossed in a garlic olive oil sauce. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals (mediterranean) ready in about 55 minutes pairs crumbled feta cheese, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, diced into 1/2-inch cubes zucchini
- 1 cup, crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 12 oz, penne or fusilli pasta
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss zucchini cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and golden.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon zest and 1/4 cup pasta water (reserve 1/4 cup from cooked pasta).
- Step 3: Cook pasta in a pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, then add to the skillet with the garlic-olive oil mixture. Toss to coat.
- Step 4: Fold in crumbled feta and fresh parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with additional lemon wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Zucchini and Feta Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Mediterranean Zucchini and Feta Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep crumbled feta cheese from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Zucchini and Feta Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Mediterranean Zucchini and Feta Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Mediterranean Zucchini and Feta Pasta?
Mediterranean quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
