Rustic Greek Tomato and Feta Pasta with Kalamata Olives

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) 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.

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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