Rustic Greek Tomato and Feta Pasta with Kalamata Olives

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Al dente pasta tossed in a vibrant sauce of fresh tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta for a bright Mediterranean meal. This mediterranean-inspired pasta (mediterranean) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, extra virgin olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 cup halved Kalamata olives to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release juices.
  4. Step 4: Add drained pasta to the skillet along with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss to combine and let simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and fold in 6 oz crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Greek Tomato and Feta Pasta with Kalamata Olives take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Rustic Greek Tomato and Feta Pasta with Kalamata Olives?

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 penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Greek Tomato and Feta Pasta with Kalamata Olives?

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 Rustic Greek Tomato and Feta Pasta with Kalamata Olives 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 Rustic Greek Tomato and Feta Pasta with Kalamata Olives?

Mediterranean pasta 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.

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