One-Pan Creamy Spinach & Feta Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs

If you love the flavors of spanakopita, you’re going to love this creamy Spinach and Feta Pasta! This easy one-pan pasta recipe is loaded with tender spinach, creamy feta, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a rich cream sauce. Topped with crispy homemade garlic breadcrumbs, it’s a Greek-inspired pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy vegetarian dinner or a quick weeknight meal!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Spinach & Feta Pasta:

• Creamy Yet Light – The velvety feta and cream sauce perfectly coats the pasta without feeling too heavy. Pair this pasta with a piece of salmon for a light yet cozy meal.
• Easy One-Pan Recipe – Made with just a few pantry staples and minimal clean-up, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal!
• Customizable & Versatile – Swap in your favorite herbs, add a protein, or use gluten-free pasta to suit your needs.

Ingredients for One-Pan Creamy Spinach & Feta Pasta:

• Pasta – Any pasta works, but I like to use spaghetti. Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Butter – Adds richness and helps create a velvety sauce.
• Onion – Yellow or white onion adds a subtle sweetness and a bit of texture.
• Garlic – A must-have (always) for bold, savory flavor in every bite.
• Spinach – Fresh spinach cooks down into the creamy sauce, adding nutrients, color, and a classic spanakopita-inspired touch.
• Feta Cheese – Salty, tangy, and creamy, it melts into the sauce and adds the perfect savory, briny flavor.
• Heavy Cream – Creates a luscious, creamy texture in the sauce that ties everything together.
• Fresh Herbs – A blend of dill, parsley, oregano, and chives gives freshness and depth.
• Lemon Juice – Brightens the dish and balances the richness of the sauce.
• Breadcrumbs – A crispy, garlicky topping that adds the perfect crunch and contrast in texture.

Dietary Substitutions & Allergy-Friendly Swaps:

• Gluten-Free – Swap out regular pasta for gluten-free spaghetti (I used Jovial’s 100% Organic Gluten Free Brown Rice Spaghetti for this recipe) or any gluten-free pasta of your choice. Also if making the homemade garlic breadcrumbs, use gluten free bread to keep this dish celiac-friendly.
• Dairy-Free – To make this dairy-free, use a plant-based cream (such as coconut cream) and swap feta for a dairy-free alternative (Violife makes a good one!).
• Low-Carb/Keto – Use a low-carb pasta or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta to reduce carbs while still enjoying the creamy, savory sauce.
• Herb Variations – If you’re not a fan of some of the herbs, feel free to swap them out! Try basil, thyme, or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
• Protein Add-ins – Boost the protein in this dish with grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or even some crispy chickpeas.

How to Make One-Pan Spinach & Feta Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs:

• Make the Garlic Breadcrumbs
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place 2 slices of bread in a food processor and pulse until the bread is crumbly. Transfer the crumbs to a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together, then bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
• Cook the Pasta
  • Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and set it aside to keep warm.
• Sauté the Onion & Garlic
  • In a large skillet or pan, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5-6 minutes, until softened and slightly caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Wilt the Spinach
  • Add the spinach to the pan, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts down and reduces in volume.

• Make the Creamy Sauce
  • Pour in the heavy cream and add the crumbled feta cheese (saving some for topping), chopped fresh herbs, and the remaining butter. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the feta to melt and the sauce to thicken.
• Combine the Pasta & Sauce
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Let the sauce thicken slightly. Add more pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
• Finish with Lemon & Seasoning
  • Stir in the fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve
  • Plate the pasta and top with the reserved feta, crispy garlic breadcrumbs, and additional fresh herbs. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Making Spinach & Feta Pasta:

• Use Fresh Herbs for Best Flavor – Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, oregano, and chives bring a burst of fresh flavor to the dish and add that authentic spanakopita taste!
• Don’t Forget the Pasta Water – The reserved pasta water is key for adjusting the sauce’s thickness. It also helps the sauce cling better to the pasta. Add it slowly until you reach your desired creaminess.
• Keep It Light, Not Heavy – Although it’s creamy, the dish should still feel light. Avoid overcooking the pasta and be mindful of how much heavy cream you use. It should be just enough for a luscious sauce!

Make-Ahead & Storage:

• Make-Ahead: You can make the creamy spinach and feta sauce and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and combine it with the sauce. Freshly baked breadcrumbs can be stored separately at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce upon storage, but you can easily reheat it with a splash of cream, broth, or water to restore its creamy consistency.

Spinach and Feta Pasta FAQ’s:

5 More Quick & Easy Pasta Recipes You Will Love:

• Fresh Spring Pasta Salad with Prosciutto & Honey-Lemon Dressing
• 20-Minute Walnut & Brown Butter Pasta with Pecorino Romano
• Quick & Easy Garlic Cream Sauce Ravioli with Asparagus and Mushrooms
• Quick & Easy Mediterranean Tuna Pasta with Olive Tapenade
• One-Pot Creamy Cajun Ravioli Pasta with Sausage & Peppers

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One-Pan Creamy Spinach & Feta Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs

This creamy, dreamy pasta combines the freshness of spinach, the tanginess of feta, and the crunch of garlic breadcrumbs, all in one pan! Easy to make, full of flavor, and the perfect cozy dish for any night of the week.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Pasta

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

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For the pasta:

• 8 oz pasta use gluten-free spaghetti if needed
• 4 tbsp butter divided
• 1.5 cups diced yellow or white onion
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 10-12 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh herbs dill, parsley, oregano, chives
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the garlic breadcrumb topping:

• 2 slices bread preferably day-old
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil EVOO
• 1-2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Make the Garlic Breadcrumbs:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Place bread in a food processor and pulse until crumbly.
• Spread breadcrumbs on a baking sheet, toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden and crispy. Set aside.

Cook the Pasta:

• Boil the pasta in a pot of generously salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
• Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

Sauté the Onions and Spinach:

• While pasta cooks, melt 2 tbsp butter in a large frying pan over medium heat.
• Sauté the onion until softened, about 3 minutes.
• Add garlic and spinach, cooking until spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

• Stir in heavy cream, most of the feta (reserve some for topping), fresh herbs, the remaining butter, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the butter melts and the sauce begins to thicken.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

• Add the drained pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the sauce.
• Stir until well combined. Let it simmer until slightly thickened, adding more pasta water as needed to reach desired creaminess.

Finish the Dish:

• Stir in lemon juice, then season to taste with salt and pepper.

Plate and Serve:

• Top with the remaining crumbled feta, crispy garlic breadcrumbs, and extra fresh herbs.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth cream to loosen the sauce and prevent it from getting too thick.
• To Make Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta, such as brown rice spaghetti (I used Jovial’s brand), to make this dish gluten-free. If making homemade garlic breadcrumbs, substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread to keep the dish celiac-friendly.
• Nutritional information is an estimate only and will vary according to specific ingredients and amounts used.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 13gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4g

Keyword spinach and feta pasta

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