Peppery Pasta With Feta Cheese
Peppery pasta with feta cheese features vibrant bell peppers, tangy feta, and a spicy pepperoncini kick, perfect for a flavorful, quick Mediterranean-inspired meal for friends and family.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced ⓘ
- 6 large garlic cloves, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced stemmed, drained pepperoncini ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fresh basil or 2 Tbsp. dried basil
- 1 (28 oz.) can Italian plum tomatoes with juices ⓘ
- 1 lb. bow tie pasta, freshly cooked ⓘ
- 8 oz. Feta cheese, crumbled ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add diced red and green bell peppers and chopped garlic; sauté until peppers begin to soften, about 4 minutes.
- Mix in sliced pepperoncini and basil, then add the canned Italian plum tomatoes with juices.
- Simmer until the sauce reduces slightly, breaking up tomatoes with the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Add freshly cooked pasta and toss until the sauce coats the pasta thoroughly.
- Add crumbled feta cheese and toss to blend everything evenly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauté. If you can't find fresh basil, dried basil works well, but reduce the amount to about 1 tablespoon. You can also swap the feta for goat cheese if you prefer a creamier texture. To enhance flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Peppery Pasta With Feta Cheese pairs beautifully with a side of Broiled Eggplant With Salsa for a complete meal. For a refreshing touch, serve with a simple green salad dressed with Herbed Mustard Dressing. Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce for a hearty dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent the pasta from drying out. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the pasta gummy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peppery Pasta With Feta Cheese contains roughly 1032 calories, with 31g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (137% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (116% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 915mg per serving (40% 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 other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta is delightful, feel free to substitute it with penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the best texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Peppery Pasta is entirely vegetarian, making it a great option for those following a meat-free diet. With the crumbled feta, it also adds a nice creamy texture while being packed with flavor from the vegetables and spices.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, cook the pasta, and combine them together for a quick and satisfying meal.
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).