Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s not only delicious but also bursting with Mediterranean flair? Dive into the vibrant world of "Spaghetti with Zucchini and Feta," where each bite offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures! This quick and easy recipe, taking just 25 minutes from prep to plate, features tender spaghetti intertwined with fresh zucchini noodles and creamy feta cheese, making it a perfect choice for a healthy yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re a pasta lover or just looking to impress your family and friends, this recipe will have them asking for seconds. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. The water should taste like sea water to properly season the pasta.
- Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, spiralize the zucchinis using a spiralizer or julienne peeler, creating long, noodle-like strands. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add spiralized zucchini to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still maintaining some crispness. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti and add directly to the skillet with zucchini. Toss together, using reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce if needed.
- Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the pasta. Gently mix to distribute cheese and allow it to slightly melt.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with additional feta or fresh herbs like basil or parsley if available.
Tips
- Perfectly Seasoned Water: When boiling your pasta, ensure the water is well-salted. It should taste like the sea! This is crucial for infusing flavor into the spaghetti as it cooks.
- Timing is Key: To achieve the perfect al dente texture, be sure to follow the package instructions for your spaghetti. Typically, this means cooking for 8-10 minutes, but start checking a minute or two before the suggested time.
- Zucchini Preparation: Use a spiralizer or julienne peeler to create long, noodle-like strands of zucchini. This not only adds a fun twist to your dish but also helps to incorporate more veggies into your meal.
- Watch the Garlic: When sautéing the garlic, keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. You want it fragrant and golden, not brown and bitter.
- Pasta Water Magic: Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining! This starchy water can be a game changer for creating a silky sauce that clings beautifully to your pasta.
- Feta Cheese: For the best flavor, use high-quality feta cheese. Crumbling it over the hot pasta allows it to melt slightly, creating a creamy texture that elevates the dish.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Consider garnishing your dish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or even a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes for a little heat. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful pop of color!
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve it right away to relish the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
