Mostaccioli With Spinach And Feta Cheese
A flavorful pasta dish with spinach, feta, garlic, and toasted pine nuts, perfect for a quick, satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal suitable for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter with 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat.
- Add pine nuts and minced garlic; sauté until pine nuts are light brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add thawed spinach and chopped tomatoes; sauté until heated through, about 3 minutes.
- Cook the mostaccioli or penne pasta according to package instructions, then drain and place in a serving bowl.
- Add remaining olive oil to the pasta and toss to coat evenly.
- Pour the spinach-pine nut mixture over the pasta and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Add crumbled feta cheese, season with salt and pepper, and toss again.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh herbs like basil or oregano. If you can't find pine nuts, walnuts or almonds can be a great alternative. To keep the dish vegetarian, ensure that the feta cheese is made from sheep's milk, as some brands may include animal rennet. This recipe is a delightful addition to Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This mostaccioli dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, such as a Greek Spinach Rice Salad, or some crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce. A glass of white wine or a light rosé complements the flavors well. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled vegetables or Mediterranean Bean Salad for a complete dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. If you prefer, you can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. The flavors will meld beautifully over time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mostaccioli With Spinach And Feta Cheese contains roughly 1889 calories, with 12g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 202g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1322mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Simply sauté about 10 ounces of fresh spinach until wilted, then add it to the mixture with the tomatoes. Fresh spinach will provide a vibrant color and texture to your dish.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the mostaccioli or penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or lentils. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the gluten-free pasta you choose.
How can I make this dish more filling?
To make this dish heartier, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein. Additionally, serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or a mixed green salad can enhance the meal's texture and nutrition.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).