Quick and Easy Pasta with Red Pepper, Olives, and Feta – Easy Fall Weeknight Dinner Recipe!

This pasta dish is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl! The combination of red pepper, olives, and feta brings such a comforting flavor, and the fact that everything comes together so easily makes it even better. It’s the kind of meal you can throw together on a weeknight but still feel like you’re treating yourself to something special. Plus, there’s something about the smell of sautéed garlic and onions filling the kitchen that makes it feel like home.

I love how sautéing the vegetables first gives them this subtle caramelized sweetness, adding so much depth to the final blend. It makes the flavors so much richer without any extra fuss. And then you get that salty punch from the olives and feta—it’s seriously the perfect balance. It’s one of those meals where each bite has a little bit of everything: savory, sweet, and a touch of saltiness.

When you blend it all together, the texture is just right! You can make it as smooth or chunky as you want, but I personally like a little bit of chunkiness so you can still taste the bits of olives and red pepper. It coats the pasta beautifully without feeling heavy, and the feta gives it that creamy finish that’s hard to resist. So good!

What I love most is how this dish feels comforting yet light at the same time. You get all the cozy vibes without feeling weighed down. Every time I make it, it’s like a little celebration of simple, delicious ingredients. You’ll want to keep this one in your back pocket for those evenings when you just want something quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – It doesn’t require a lot of steps, and you can whip it up in under 30 minutes. Great for weeknights when you don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen!

• Full of Flavor – With the sweetness from the red pepper, the brininess of olives, and the creaminess of feta, every bite is packed with flavor. It’s a satisfying combo that hits all the right notes.

• Healthy and Wholesome – You’re getting a good mix of veggies, healthy fats from the olive oil, and protein from the feta. It’s a simple way to have a delicious and nutritious meal!

• Pantry Ingredients – Most of the ingredients like pasta, olive oil, garlic, and olives are probably already in your pantry. That makes it super convenient when you’re craving something delicious but don’t feel like going to the store.

• Customizable Texture – You can blend the sauce to be as smooth or as chunky as you like. So, it’s perfect whether you want something creamy or with a bit more bite.

Ingredients Needed

• Pasta – Choose your favorite type, whether it’s spaghetti, penne, or another variety. Make sure to cook it just until al dente to get the best texture.

• Red Bell Pepper – Adds a sweet and vibrant flavor. Slice it thinly so it cooks evenly and blends well with the other ingredients.

• Onion – Provides a savory base for the dish. Finely chop it to ensure it softens nicely when sautéed.

• Garlic – Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor. Mince it finely to release its essential oils and enhance the overall taste.

• Olives – Contributes a briny, salty element. Slice them to your preferred size for even distribution throughout the pasta.

• Feta Cheese – Adds creaminess and tanginess. Crumble it so it mixes well with the pasta and other ingredients.

• Olive Oil – Used for sautéing and adding richness. Make sure to heat it just enough to cook the vegetables without burning them.

How to Make: Step-By-Step

Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually means the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite.
• Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. You can reserve a little pasta water if you need to adjust the consistency of the sauce later.

Sauté the Vegetables:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow it to warm up for a minute or so, but avoid letting it get too hot.
• Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
• Add the thinly sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the red pepper is tender and slightly caramelized, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Blend the Mixture:

• Transfer the sautéed vegetables and add sliced olives to a blender or food processor. Add the crumbled feta cheese.
• Blend until smooth or chunky, depending on your preference. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a bit of olive oil or reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

Combine with Pasta:

• Return the blended sauce to the skillet and heat it gently over low heat. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your liking.
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it with the sauce until the pasta is evenly coated. Heat everything together for a few minutes to ensure the pasta is well mixed with the sauce.

Serve:

• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips and Ideas:

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: For the best texture, cook your pasta just until al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, which will help it hold up better when mixed with the sauce.
• Enhance the Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sautéed vegetables for an extra layer of flavor.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the blended sauce is too thick, you can use a bit of the reserved pasta water or additional olive oil to thin it out to your liking.
• Serve with a Side: This pasta pairs nicely with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Make it Creamier: For a richer sauce, you can mix in a bit of Greek yogurt or cream cheese with the feta before blending.

Alternatives:

• Vegetarian Add-ins: Consider adding spinach, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sautéed vegetables for added nutrients and flavors.
• Different Cheeses: Swap feta for goat cheese or grated Parmesan if you prefer a different cheese flavor.
• Other Veggies: You can replace red bell pepper with yellow or orange peppers, or even add mushrooms or zucchini for variety.
• Other Peppers: If you’re looking to switch up the red bell pepper, you can try yellow or orange bell peppers for a similar sweetness, or go for poblano or Anaheim peppers for a mild heat and smoky flavor. Sweet mini peppers or Cubanelle peppers also offer a mild, slightly sweet taste and can add a fun twist to the dish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta if you need to make the dish gluten-free. It will work well with the sauce and maintain the same delicious flavor.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make the dish more filling and add some protein.