One Pot Spinach and Feta Pasta at the Table

Inspired by our go-to Greek pie recipe, our One Pot Spinach and Feta Pasta is packed with fresh spinach and an abundance of cheese. This dish boasts an unbelievably tasty and silky flavor. And the finest part? It’s all made in one pot, ensuring an simple recipe that will have the whole family eagerly gathering around the table!

two bowls of Spanakopita Pasta with Spinach

Why You’ll Love One Pot Spinach and Feta Pasta

We grew up eating spanakopita and it remains one of our go-to dishes to this day. However, it’s not exactly the quickest recipe to make. As you know, we’re all about simplicity around here. So, we decided to turn this classic recipe into an simple one-pot pasta dish! As a result, it is not only speedy to prepare and a breeze to clean up, but it also:

Uses budget-friendly ingredients.
Cooks in 15 minutes or less.
Pairs perfectly with all your go-to protein sources.
Keeps well for tasty meals throughout the week.
Leaves all your guests begging for seconds.

What Is Spanakopita?

If you’ve never had it, spanakopita is a popular Greek dish that is a type of savory pie. It comes together with layers of crisp, flaky phyllo dough stuffed with a silky cheese and spinach filling. Cooked in the oven until golden brown, spanakopita can be baked in a large casserole dish and sliced into squares or molded into triangular hand pies or rolls. No matter how they’re served, they’re always totally drool-worthy and tasty!

Is One Pot Spinach and Feta Pasta Healthy?

This spinach and feta pasta is a great way to get a serving or two of veggies into your day and is full of calcium and protein, making it a fairly nutritious dish. However, you could also opt for low-fat cheeses as well as veggies or high-fiber noodles to make it even healthier!

a white bowl of Spanakopita Pasta with Spinach with a fork on the side

Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

This is a pasta dish that channels the spirit of the beloved spanakopita, keeping it real with ingredients that won’t break the bank but will send your taste buds on a ride. Here’s the squad you need for this spinach pasta extravaganza:

Pasta – We prefer to use twisty fusilli noodles because their ridges help trap the sauce, making them extra tasty. However, any similarly shaped noodles can be used.
Broth – Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth helps infuse the noodles with flavor.
Spinach – Fresh spinach works finest to add a pop of color and extra nutrients to this spanakopita pasta!
Flavor Enhancers – Lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper provide a refreshing tang and savory flavor.
Cheese – Cream cheese and feta crumbles combine to create a smooth, savory sauce.
Dill – Technically optional, a sprinkle of dill is added on top for a pop of color and a lightly herbaceous flavor that ties all of the ingredients together for one truly incredible recipe.

How to Make Pasta with Spinach and Feta

Say goodbye to the laborious layering of traditional baked spanakopita because this spinach pasta is here to save your time and sanity! Forget the kitchen hustle; you can whip up this pasta in literal minutes. Just follow these simple steps and get ready for a feast without the fuss!

Combine the ingredients. Add the pasta, broth, spinach, garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon zest to a deep pot.
Cook the noodles. Bring the liquid to a boil. Then, cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
Stir in the remaining ingredients. Add the cream cheese and feta to the dish, and stir until the ingredients are well combined and silky.
Serve. Top your pasta with a sprinkle of dill, serve warm, and enjoy!

What Does Pasta with Spinach Go Well With?

If we’re being honest, we love to serve this spanakopita pasta with spinach on its own for a filling meatless recipe. However, if you want to bulk it up, it also tastes great with chicken kofta, beef, or shrimp mixed in.

Or, pair it with your go-to main course for a satisfying side dish! Some of our go-to pairings include beef kofta, baked feta salmon, and our slow cooker po’ boy sandwiches!

two bowls of Spanakopita Pasta with Spinach with two forks in the upper lefthand corner

Storage Options

This pasta always disappears immediately in our house. So, we highly recommend making a double batch if you want to eat it throughout the week! Luckily, leftovers keep well when you follow the tips below.

To Store: Once cooled, leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

To Freeze: For a longer-lasting option, transfer your pasta to a freezer-safe container where it will stay fresh for up to 6 months.

To Reheat: When you’re ready to eat, let your spanakopita pasta thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it in the microwave or in a pot over medium heat until your desired temperature has been reached. If the pasta seems a bit dry, add a splash of water or broth to freshen it back up, and enjoy!

Common Questions about One Pot Spinach and Feta Pasta

What can I substitute for feta in one pot pasta?

If you’re not a fan of feta or don’t have any on hand, you can substitute with goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor but creamier texture. Other great alternatives include ricotta for a milder taste, cotija for saltiness, or even dairy-free options like almond-based cheese if you’re avoiding animal products.

Why is my one pot pasta too watery?

Your one pot pasta might be too watery if you’ve added too much liquid relative to the amount of pasta, or if you haven’t given the pasta enough time to absorb the liquid. Different pasta shapes and brands absorb liquid at different rates, so you might need to adjust cooking time or liquid amounts. If you find your pasta is done but there’s excess liquid, you can remove the lid and increase the heat for a few minutes to evaporate some moisture, or add a bit more cheese to help thicken the sauce.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh in one pot pasta?

Frozen spinach works perfectly well in one pot pasta recipes! You’ll want to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to your pasta pot. Since frozen spinach is more compact, you’ll need less of it compared to fresh—about 1/3 to 1/2 the volume will give you similar results. Add it a few minutes before the pasta is done cooking rather than at the beginning, since it’s already wilted and just needs to be heated through.

Can I add other vegetables to spinach and feta pasta?

You can absolutely customize your one pot spinach and feta pasta with additional vegetables! Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms are all fantastic additions that complement the Mediterranean flavors. Heartier vegetables like bell peppers should be added early in the cooking process, while more delicate ones like cherry tomatoes can go in during the last few minutes of cooking.

More Tasty One Pot Pasta Recipes

For our fellow one-pot pasta enthusiasts out there, we’ve got a treat for you! Don’t miss out on these fantastic dishes that promise to elevate your one-pot game:

One Pot Macarona Bechamel (Egyptian Baked Pasta) – Silky, cheesy, and tasty, this recipe is an simple take on a classic Egyptian recipe.
One Pot Chicken Broccoli Rotini – This simple and tasty dinner will have your little ones excited to eat their veggies.
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese – This cheesy dish is guaranteed to become your new go-to way to eat chili!
One Pot Spinach and Artichoke Pasta – Ready in 14 minutes, this pasta recipe turns everyone’s go-to appetizer dip into a complete meal guaranteed to please a crowd.
One Pan Alfredo Pasta – Made with no boil pasta, this One Pot Fettuccine Alfredo is silky, garlicky, and cooks in less than 30 minutes!

two bowls of spanakopita pasta with spinach topped with fresh herbs

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 8

Prep: 2 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Total: 14 mins

Inspired by our go-to Greek pie recipe, this spanakopita pasta with spinach is loaded with fresh spinach and plenty of cheese for an unbelievably tasty, silky flavor. Made in one pot, it's an simple recipe the whole family will be excied to eat! Email

Ingredients

1 pound fusilli pasta or pasta of similar shape
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
4 cups fresh spinach
4 cloves garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
1/2 tsp pepper or to taste
lemon zest grated
2 ounces cream cheese
1 cup feta cheese crumbles
Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions

In a deep pot, add the uncooked pasta, broth, spinach, garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
Bring the ingredients to a boil. Then, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
Stir in the cream cheese and feta until they are smooth and silky.
Serve warm garnished with fresh dill if desired.