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Spanakopita Pasta

Creamy Spanakopita Pasta: A Quick & Flavorful Twist

Enjoy this Creamy Spanakopita Pasta, a quick and flavorful dish packed with spinach, feta and zesty lemon, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Spaghetti This forms the delicious base; it holds the sauce beautifully.
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 8 tbsp Butter Adds a rich texture; swap with dairy-free butter for a vegan option.
  • 0.5 cup Yellow Onion Sweetens the dish; can be replaced with shallots for a gentler flavor.
  • 2 tsp Garlic Elevates the overall taste; fresh garlic is the best choice.
  • 12 cups Baby Spinach Leaves The star of the dish, packed with nutrients; substitute with kale if desired.
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Zest Brightens the flavors with its acidity; essential for that fresh kick.
  • 2 tbsp Dried Dill Complements the spinach beautifully; fresh dill or thyme can be used instead.
  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper Adds a hint of spice; adjust to fit your preference.
  • 2 cups Feta Cheese Provides creamy and tangy notes; opt for plant-based feta for a vegan twist.
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice Gives a refreshing tang; vinegar can work in its place.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Spanakopita Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8–10 minutes. Reserve about 3 cups of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti in a colander.
  2. In the same pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, allowing it to foam. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant and lightly golden.
  3. Toss in the baby spinach leaves and stir them into the onion mixture. Cook the spinach for approximately 2 minutes, until it’s wilted and bright green. Then, add in the lemon zest, dried dill, and ground black pepper. Mix well before incorporating the vegan feta (or regular feta), and pour in 2 cups of the reserved pasta water.
  4. Remove the pot from heat, and quickly stir in the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt into the sauce for a creamy texture. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  5. Gently add the drained spaghetti back into the pot, tossing until the pasta is completely coated with the delightful sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed, and serve hot, garnished with additional feta and a sprinkle of fresh dill.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps your creamy spanakopita pasta fresh without losing its delightful flavors.

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