Get ready for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner: Greek Spaghetti. This one-pot pasta comes together in under 30 minutes and combines classic Mediterranean ingredients—tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers, fresh basil, and salty feta—for a bright, family-friendly meal. It’s an easy twist on traditional spaghetti that’s perfect warm or served cold like a pasta salad.
Excellent recipe! Followed exactly and it was a beautiful and delicious dish! I did put a lemon wedge on the plate for squeezing over the dish, as suggested in another comment, and I do believe it completed it. Served it with Greek marinated grilled chicken and it was a treat! Thank you!
-Patricia Coles
Why this Recipe is the Best
This Greek Spaghetti is vibrant and full of Mediterranean flavor. It balances textures—tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, briny olives and capers, and creamy feta—making it an appealing change from traditional spaghetti. Serve it on warm nights with fresh tomatoes from the garden, or enjoy it year-round for a cozy dinner that’s straightforward to prepare.
For more Greek-inspired ideas, try a classic Greek salad to pair with this pasta.
Key Ingredients
These Mediterranean staples are easy to find and give the dish its signature flavor.
- Kalamata Olives – Provide a pronounced, tangy olive flavor. If you prefer something milder, black olives work well.
- Feta Cheese – Crumbled feta brings saltiness and creaminess that ties the dish together.
- Fresh Basil – Fresh basil brightens the pasta; it’s highly recommended over dried for the best flavor.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
How To Make Greek Spaghetti
This recipe is simple and fast. Follow these steps for reliable results.
1. Sauté the garlic in olive oil over medium heat just until fragrant and lightly golden, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Add cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss with the garlic and oil until the noodles are evenly coated.
3. Stir in chopped olives, basil, tomatoes, feta, and capers.
4. Toss gently until ingredients are distributed evenly. Serve immediately.
Hint: Toss a little olive oil with the hot, drained noodles before adding to the garlic. That prevents clumping and helps the other ingredients combine smoothly.
This dish pairs well with simple grilled meats or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Learn From Us
Omitting the olives and feta makes the dish noticeably less flavorful. For the best result, include the key Mediterranean ingredients listed so the flavors balance and shine.
Top tip
Chop the olives, tomatoes, and basil while the pasta cooks so everything is ready to combine as soon as the garlic is done. This speeds assembly and keeps the process smooth.
Recipe
Greek Spaghetti
Andrea
Equipment
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Saute Pan
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Cutting Board
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Sharp Knife
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, chopped
- 3 tablespoons capers, drained
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 4 ounces feta, crumbled
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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While the noodles cook, chop the basil, Kalamata olives, and tomatoes.
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Heat the olive oil in the large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
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Add the cooked noodles to the garlic and oil. Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat.
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Stir in the olives, basil, tomatoes, capers, and feta. Toss until evenly combined. Serve warm.
Notes
- Swap Kalamata olives for black olives if you prefer a milder taste.
- Make it dairy-free by omitting the feta.
- Add sliced grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Replace capers with sliced green olives if desired.
- You can use other pasta shapes like penne or bow tie if you prefer.
Nutrition
Calories: 393kcal
Carbohydrates: 46 g
Protein: 11 g
Fat: 19 g
Storing Greek Spaghetti
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in a microwave-safe dish until warmed through, or enjoy chilled as a pasta salad—this recipe is delicious both warm and cool. Note that the components of this dish don’t freeze and thaw well, so refrigeration is best.
Substitutions
- Black Olive – Swap Kalamata for black olives if you prefer a milder olive flavor.
- Penne or Bow Tie – Use your favorite pasta shape instead of spaghetti.
- Grilled Chicken – Add sliced grilled chicken for more protein.
- Dairy Free – Omit the feta to make the dish dairy-free.