Go Back
Greek Style Zucchini Pasta with Feta and Olives, zucchini pasta dinner recipe easy 30 minute meal
Brittany Stage

Greek Style Zucchini Pasta with Feta and Olives

Sauteed golden zucchini gets tossed with cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onion, crumbled feta, and a red wine vinegar dressing. This Greek-inspired pasta comes together in 30 minutes and holds up beautifully for meal prep lunches.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta or rotini
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided, plus more for finishing
  • 2 medium zucchini about 1 lb total, halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt plus more for pasta water
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives pitted and halved
  • 1/3 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 6 oz feta cheese block feta crumbled by hand, not pre-crumbled
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley roughly chopped, for serving

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • colander
  • large mixing bowl
  • cutting board
  • sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and spread the pasta out on a sheet pan or in a large bowl to cool slightly while you prepare the rest.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the zucchini in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook without stirring for 2 to 3 minutes so the cut sides get golden and slightly caramelized. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes. The zucchini should be tender but not mushy. Transfer to a plate and let it cool for 5 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, sliced red onion, dried oregano, red wine vinegar, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir together so the onion and tomatoes start absorbing the vinegar.
  4. Add the slightly cooled pasta and the sauteed zucchini to the bowl. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is coated. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and vinegar to your liking.
  5. Add the crumbled feta last and fold it in gently with a spoon or your hands so the chunks stay intact. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top, scatter the parsley over everything, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Add the feta after the pasta has cooled slightly so it stays in crumbles rather than melting. Block feta crumbled by hand has much better texture than pre-crumbled feta from a bag.