Our family-favorite recipe for Greek Spaghetti with Garlic Bread! This dish is a delicious blend of spaghetti noodles and a hearty Greek-inspired tomato sauce served with a side of garlic bread. The sauce has flavorful ingredients like olives, fresh basil, fresh tomatoes, and feta cheese, making it a tasty and satisfying meal. Adding garlic bread adds an extra element of savory goodness that complements the flavors of the pasta perfectly. This recipe will surely become a new favorite in your household, just like ours. Pair with Caesar salad or Garden salad for a complete meal. It serves about 6-8 people.
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What is Greek Spaghetti?
Greek spaghetti is a type of pasta dish that is inspired by the flavors and ingredients of Greek cuisine. It typically features spaghetti noodles with a tomato-based sauce flavored with Greek-inspired ingredients such as olives, garlic, tomatoes, feta cheese, and herbs like basil or oregano.
Greek Spaghetti Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Pasta: We used linguine in this recipe, but you can also use any pasta you like.
- Feta Cheese: It is important to use good-quality feta in this recipe, as it is the main ingredient and flavor of the dish. It has a salty, tangy flavor and a creamy, crumbly texture, making it a versatile and flavorful ingredient in many dishes.
- Tomatoes: We used fresh Roma tomatoes or (1) 28-ounce can of crushed or whole peeled tomatoes to make the sauce.
- Onion: It has a distinctive and pungent flavor that adds depth and complexity to the dish. It also has a crunchy texture that adds a welcome bite to the sauce.
- Whole pitted Manzanilla Spanish olives stuffed with minced pimento: These olives are a good choice for this recipe because they have a slightly milder flavor than some other types of olives, and the minced pimento adds a subtly sweet note to the dish.
- Brine from the Olives: Adding a few tablespoons of olive brine to the sauce can help to deepen and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish. Olive brine is the liquid that olives are packed in, and it is full of flavorful compounds that can add depth and complexity to a recipe. In this recipe, adding a few tablespoons of olive brine can help to bring out the flavors of the olives and other ingredients, giving the sauce a more robust and well-rounded taste.
- Fresh Basil: It is a common ingredient in Greek cuisine, adding fresh and aromatic flavor to dishes. In this Greek spaghetti recipe, the basil adds a bright and herby taste that helps to balance out the richness of the other ingredients.
- Kosher Salt: We used kosher salt to season the tomato sauce and garlic bread. The salt will help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and give the dish a more well-rounded and balanced taste. Remember that kosher salt is less salty than regular table salt, so you may need to use more of it to achieve the desired level of seasoning.
- Sugar: Adding a pinch of sugar to the tomato sauce can help reduce the tomatoes' acidity and make the sauce taste more balanced. Tomatoes are naturally high in acid, giving them a tart and tangy flavor.
- Extra virgin oil: In this recipe, the extra virgin olive oil adds a rich and flavorful taste to the sauce and helps to bring out the other flavors in the dish. In addition, its strong and full-bodied flavor can help to enhance the taste of the olives, basil, garlic, and other ingredients, giving the dish a more complex and well-rounded taste.
- Fresh Garlic & Granulated Garlic: In this recipe, fresh garlic is used to make the tomato sauce, and granulated garlic is used to make the garlic bread. Fresh garlic has a strong and pungent flavor that adds boldness to the sauce, while granulated garlic has a more subtle and mellow flavor that is well-suited for seasoning bread.
- Butter: Adding butter to the sauce and garlic bread helps to add richness and depth to the flavor and create a more satisfying and flavorful dish.
Tools you'll need
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large serving bowl
- Measuring cups
- Liquid measuring cup
- Chef's knife
- Serrated knife
- Cutting board
- Large wooden spoon
- Cooking tongs
- small bowl
- Cooking Brush
- Whisk
How to Make Greek Spaghetti
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Bring a large pot of water (about 4 to 6 quarts) to a full boil. Add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt and the linguine and cook according to the package's directions. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then thoroughly drain the pasta. While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil and butter in a 14-inch nonstick pan or work over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion and cook, stirring until softened slightly, 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook until they are broken down and form a chunky sauce. Add the olives and brine—season with kosher salt, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook, occasionally stirring, until slightly thickened and flavorful, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Using tongs, lift the pasta out of the colander and add it to the Greek Spaghetti Sauce, along with the remaining ½ cup of pasta water and the basil; simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and red pepper flakes if needed. Transfer the Greek Spaghetti to a large serving bowl and top with feta cheese. Serve the Greek Spaghetti topped with extra feta cheese and chopped basil for garnish.
How To Make Garlic Bread
Combine butter, oil, parsley, granulated garlic, or mashed fresh garlic in a microwave-safe dish or a small saucepan. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute or in a small pot over moderate-low heat until the butter melts. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and liberally brush them with the garlic oil mixture—Sprinkle with grated cheese, and toast under the broiler until golden brown. Alternatively, toast them in preheated 375 degrees F until very lightly golden brown, about 10 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and place it on a baking sheet. Liberally brush them with the garlic oil mixture—Sprinkle with grated cheese, if using. Bake until golden brown and toasted 8 to 15 minutes. Cut into 4 pieces and serve alongside the Greek Spaghetti. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Pasta: We used linguine in this recipe, but you can also use any pasta you like. The choice of pasta will depend on your personal preference. Different types of pasta have different textures and flavors, so you can choose the one you think will work best with the other ingredients in the recipe. You might consider spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. Whatever pasta you choose will be delicious when paired with the flavorful tomato sauce. So feel free to experiment and choose the pasta you think will work best.
- Tomatoes: We used fresh Roma tomatoes or (1) 28-ounce can of crushed or whole peeled tomatoes to make the sauce. Roma tomatoes are a type of plum tomato that are oval-shaped and have a firm, meaty texture. They are ideal for making sauces and other dishes because they have a low moisture content and a balanced, slightly sweet flavor. If you choose to use a can of whole peeled tomatoes to make the sauce. Simply pulse the tomatoes in a food processor with a steel blade until they are roughly chopped, or lightly crush them by hand with their liquid; this will create a sauce with a smooth and evenly textured consistency.
- Onion: In this recipe, we used red onion because it was what we had on hand, but you can also use any other onion you like.
- Olives: We used whole pitted Manzanilla Spanish olives stuffed with minced pimento. These olives are a good choice for this recipe because they have a slightly milder flavor than other olives, and the minced pimento adds a subtly sweet note to the dish. However, you can use Spanish queen olives stuffed with pimento queen, Greek olives, or Kalamata olives. The choice of olive will depend on your personal preference and the flavor profile you want to achieve. Spanish olives, such as Manzanilla olives, are generally milder in flavor and have a smooth, buttery texture. Greek olives, such as Kalamata olives, are typically more robust in flavor and have a firmer, chewy texture. Whatever type of olive you choose will add a delicious and satisfying flavor to this Greek spaghetti recipe.
Variations
- Greek spaghetti with meatballs: This dish is made with ground meatballs (usually a mixture of beef and lamb) simmered in a tomato sauce and served over spaghetti.
- Greek spaghetti with chicken: In this variation, the spaghetti is served with shredded chicken simmered in a tomato sauce.
- Greek spaghetti with vegetables: This is a vegetarian version of the dish, made with vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers that have been simmered in a tomato sauce and served over spaghetti.
- Greek spaghetti with shrimp: This dish is made with shrimp that have been sautéed in a tomato sauce and served over spaghetti.
- Greek spaghetti with lamb: This dish is made with lamb that has been slow-cooked in a tomato sauce and served over spaghetti.
- Greek spaghetti with mussels: In this variation, the spaghetti is served with mussels that have been simmered in a tomato sauce.
- Greek spaghetti with sausage: This dish is made with Greek sausage, sliced and simmered in a tomato sauce, and served over spaghetti.
How to Serve
Serve the pasta hot and garnish it with additional feta cheese, chopped fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Pair the pasta with a simple side salad such as Cesar Salad or Garden Salad. Serve the pasta with a side of garlic bread or tomato garlic bread. Top the pasta with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-rich and satisfying meal.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Refrigerated leftover Greek spaghetti, covered for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave until hot or on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through (adding a splash of water if needed). Garlic bread can be kept at room temperature for two days, wrapped tightly in plastic or foil.
To reheat: The best way to reheat garlic bread is in the oven; wrap it in foil and bake it for 10-12 minutes in a preheated 350 F oven. Alternatively, you can use the microwave to reheat quickly.
Make-Ahead
Prepared the Greek Spaghetti sauce 4 days ahead, covered, and refrigerated until needed. Combine with the pasta (without the feta cheese topping ) for up to 2 days, cover, and refrigerate until needed. Reheat over a stovetop over medium heat until heated (adding a splash of water if needed). Add the Feta cheese. Alternatively, you can heat it in the microwave. I don't recommend making the garlic bread ahead. Garlic bread is best eaten fresh.
How to Freeze
It is best to enjoy Greek spaghetti fresh and avoid freezing it to preserve its texture and flavor. However, if you have leftover pasta that you want to save, it is best to store it in the refrigerator and eat it within a few days.
Tips for Making The Best Greek Spaghetti
- Choose a good-quality feta cheese for the best flavor: Feta is the main ingredient and flavor of the dish, so it is important to select a cheese that has a rich and flavorful taste.
- Use fresh garlic and onions in the sauce for the best flavor: Fresh garlic and onions have a more intense and vibrant flavor than their dried counterparts, which will help to add depth and complexity to the dish.
- If using Queen Olives, chop the olives: This will help to evenly distribute the ingredients throughout the sauce and create a smooth and evenly-textured consistency.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Pasta is best when cooked to al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Overcooking the pasta can cause it to become mushy and lose its texture.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste: The amount of salt, pepper, and other seasonings you use will depend on your preference and the flavor profile you want to achieve. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
FAQ
What kind of ingredients do you use in your Greek spaghetti?
We use a combination of premium ingredients to give our Greek spaghetti its unique flavor. Our recipes include fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil, oregano, basil, thyme, and salt. We also use feta cheese, which is a staple of Greek cuisine.
Does the Greek spaghetti contain any meat?
No, our Greek spaghetti is completely vegetarian-friendly. We only use plant ingredients like olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
Is the Greek spaghetti gluten-free?
Yes, our Greek spaghetti is gluten-free and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. We use only gluten-free ingredients, such as rice flour and cornstarch, in our recipes.
How can I tell when my Greek spaghetti is done cooking?
Tasting it is the best way to tell when your Greek spaghetti is done. It will be served once the spaghetti has a pleasant taste and texture. You can also use a timer and check the spaghetti every few minutes to ensure it is cooked properly.
Can I use other ingredients to customize my Greek spaghetti?
You can customize your Greek spaghetti by adding other ingredients. You can add vegetables such as mushrooms, peppers, and zucchini depending on your preferences. You can also add herbs, such as oregano, thyme, and basil, to enhance the flavor. If you prefer a richer taste, you can add a bit of feta cheese or olives.
Related Recipes:
- Creamy Pasta with mushroom and Caramelized Onions
- Tuna Pasta Casserole
- Beef Braciole with Buttered Pasta
- Baked Pasta with Creamed Spinach
- Creamy Fettucine
- Baked Ziti
Recipe
Easy Greek Spaghetti
Tools
Ingredients
For the Greek Spaghetti Sauce:
- 1 medium red , yellow onion or shallot, chopped
- ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 10 cloves garlic , slivered or minced
- 10 Roma Tomatoes , chopped or 1 (28-ounce) can crushed or whole peeled tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (Omit if you have small children)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste , adjust to taste
- 1 heaping cup pitted Manzanilla Spanish olives stuffed with minced pimento , whole. Plus 6 to 8 tablespoons of olive brine.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 12 fresh basil leaves , torn
Serving:
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
- 1-½ cups Feta Cheese , crumbled or cut into dice
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish
For the Garlic Bread:
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic or fresh garlic clove , peeled
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 loaf of french bread or a large country rustic baguette , ½ inches sliced or split the bread in half lengthwise
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmigiano cheese , optional
Instructions
For the Greek Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of water (about 4 to 6 quarts) to a full boil. Add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt and the linguine and cook according to the package's directions. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then thoroughly drain the pasta. While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil and butter in a 14-inch nonstick pan or work over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion and cook, stirring until softened slightly, 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook until they are broken down and form a chunky sauce—Add the olives and brine—season with kosher salt, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook, occasionally stirring, until slightly thickened and flavorful, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Using tongs, lift the pasta out of the colander and add it to the Greek Spaghetti Sauce, along with the remaining ½ cup of pasta water and basil; simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and red pepper flakes if needed. Transfer the Greek Spaghetti to a large serving bowl and top with feta cheese. Serve the Greek Spaghetti topped with extra feta cheese and chopped basil for garnish.
How To Make Garlic Bread:
- Combine butter, oil, parsley, and granulated garlic or mashed fresh garlic in a microwave-safe dish or a small saucepan. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute or in a small pot over moderate-low heat until the butter melts.
- For the sliced bread: Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and liberally brush them with the garlic oil mixture—Sprinkle with grated cheese, if using, and toast under the broiler until golden brown. Alternatively, you can toast them in preheated 375 degrees F toast until very lightly golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- For split bread: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and place it on a baking sheet. Liberally brush them with the garlic oil mixture—Sprinkle with grated cheese, if using. Bake until golden brown and toasted, 8 to 15 minutes. Cut into 4 pieces and serve alongside the Greek Spaghetti. Enjoy!
Notes
- To store: Refrigerated leftover Greek spaghetti, covered for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave until hot or on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through (adding a splash of water if needed). Garlic bread can be kept at room temperature for two days, wrapped tightly in plastic or foil.
- To reheat: The best way to reheat garlic bread is in the oven; wrap it in foil and bake it for 10-12 minutes in a preheated 350 F oven. Alternatively, you can use the microwave to reheat quickly.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.