Greek-Inspired Spicy Feta Pasta

A quick and creamy Greek-inspired pasta dish with a spicy twist, perfect for a comforting single-serving meal.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 15 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve a bit of the pasta water, about 1/4 cup, to help with the sauce later. This reserved water contains starch that will help bind the sauce to the pasta, making it creamier.
2. 2.
   In a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. The oil should shimmer slightly, which indicates it's hot enough. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened. This caramelizes the sugars and concentrates their flavor, giving a deep, rich taste.
3. 3.
   Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sun-dried tomatoes. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and crushed red pepper flakes, tossing everything to combine. If the mixture seems too dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you achieve a creamy consistency. The heat from the pasta will gently melt the feta, creating a tangy and spicy sauce.
4. 4.
   Continue to cook the pasta on low heat, stirring constantly, until the feta has melted into a smooth, velvety sauce that coats each piece of pasta. This will take about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more pasta water, but be careful not to make it too watery.
5. 5.
   Once combined, taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier dish. Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and the sauce is creamy. A sprinkle of additional feta on top can enhance the creaminess if desired.