Does feta cheese go well with pesto pasta?

Absolutely. Feta cheese and pesto are a match made in Mediterranean heaven. The bold, salty flavor of feta perfectly balances the rich, herbal notes of pesto. When tossed with warm pasta, the feta softens slightly, giving the dish a creamy texture without fully melting. That’s why pasta pesto feta is such a favorite—it’s all about contrast and harmony. Want more cheesy pesto magic? Don’t miss our Mediterranean-style feta pesto recipe that brings this combo to life.

Can you melt feta into pasta sauce?

Feta doesn’t melt like mozzarella or cheddar, but it does soften beautifully in warm sauces. In pasta pesto feta , crumbling feta into hot pasta allows it to become creamy around the edges while still retaining its texture. This creates a velvety, luxurious bite that clings to the pasta—without turning the feta into a gooey mess.

What cheese to eat with pesto pasta?

While feta is a top choice for pesto pasta thanks to its tang and saltiness, several other cheeses also work well. Parmesan, goat cheese, ricotta, burrata, and mozzarella all bring different flavors and textures to the dish. However, pasta pesto feta remains the gold standard for bold flavor with minimal effort. Explore a baked cheesy twist with our spinach and feta pizza —it’s another way to pair cheese and herbs.

Does green pesto go with feta?

Yes, green pesto and feta are a dynamic duo. Green pesto—made with basil, garlic, olive oil, and nuts—pairs brilliantly with the sharp, tangy bite of feta. This combo is especially popular in warm or cold pasta dishes, grain bowls, and even pizzas. In fact, the classic pasta pesto feta dish is one of the most delicious ways to enjoy this pairing.

What pairs nicely with pesto pasta?

Plenty of things pair well with pesto pasta: roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts. But the standout companion? Feta cheese. Its saltiness and crumbly texture complement pesto’s herby richness like no other. That’s why pasta pesto feta is often the go-to meal when you want maximum flavor with minimal prep. Looking for protein-packed pairings? Discover our satisfying enlightened Mediterranean chicken bowl —perfect with a side of pesto pasta.

Does feta cheese melt?

Feta doesn’t melt in the traditional sense, but it does soften and become creamy when exposed to heat. In pasta pesto feta , the feta gently breaks down and blends into the sauce, giving the dish body and a rich texture. It’s what makes this dish feel indulgent without being heavy.

Pasta Pesto Feta – The Best 2025 Mediterranean Comfort Dish You’ll Crave

Name: Pasta Pesto Feta: A Flavorful Mediterranean Trio You’ll Fall in Love With
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 12 oz fusilli or penne pasta; ¾ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled or cubed; ¼ cup reserved pasta water; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional); 1 cup baby spinach or arugula (optional); 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional); 1 tbsp olive oil (for extra richness); Salt and black pepper to taste

Description

Pasta Pesto Feta is a quick and flavorful Mediterranean comfort meal made with tender pasta, creamy basil pesto, and salty, tangy feta cheese. It comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, summer picnics, or light lunch bowls. Serve it warm or cold for a versatile and healthy dish.

Ingredients

Ingredients

12 oz fusilli or penne pasta
¾ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled or cubed
¼ cup reserved pasta water
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
1 cup baby spinach or arugula (optional)
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil (for extra richness)
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Step by Step Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water.
In a large pan over low heat, warm the pesto without letting it boil.
Add the hot pasta into the pesto and toss to coat evenly.
Stir in half of the feta cheese and reserved pasta water. Mix well until slightly creamy.
Add in cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, or lemon juice if using.
Plate and top with remaining feta, a drizzle of olive oil, and a crack of black pepper.
Serve warm or chill for a cold pasta pesto feta salad.

Notes

Use block feta in brine for best flavor and texture.
Whole wheat or legume-based pasta can increase fiber and protein.
Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for more protein.
Great for meal prep—lasts 3–4 days in the fridge.
For a vegan version, use dairy-free feta and pesto without parmesan.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Mediterranean Dinner Recipes
Method: Boil & Toss
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 485 kcal
Sugar: 3.5 g
Sodium: 560 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 7.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 14 g
Cholesterol: 28 mg