Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta is a delightful dish that balances tangy lemon with the rich, salty flavor of feta cheese. This easy-to-make pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light, satisfying meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (such as penne or spaghetti)
• 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Step 3: Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat and add the crumbled feta cheese, stirring continuously until it has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
6. Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated, then add the chopped parsley.
8. Step 8: Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with additional lemon slices and a sprinkle of feta cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a tangier taste, add extra lemon juice or zest according to your preference.
• Try swapping feta for goat cheese for a creamier texture with a different flavor profile.
• Add roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach to boost color and nutrition.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe works well with a variety of pasta shapes like penne, spaghetti, fusilli, or farfalle. Choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as cashew cream instead of heavy cream and vegan feta cheese. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ slightly.

Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 97 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta recipe combines simple ingredients to create a luscious, tangy pasta dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Featuring a rich sauce made from feta cheese, heavy cream, fresh lemon juice and zest, and a hint of garlic, it’s a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and full of bright Mediterranean flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (such as penne or spaghetti)

Sauce

• 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon slices for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure the garlic does not brown.
3. Make the Sauce Base: Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Add Feta Cheese: Lower the heat and gradually add the crumbled feta cheese while stirring continuously. Continue to stir until the feta melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to combine with the sauce. Slowly add reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust the sauce to your preferred consistency.
6. Season: Taste and season the pasta with salt and pepper as desired.
7. Finish the Dish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated, then fold in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
8. Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with additional lemon slices and extra crumbled feta cheese if desired for a beautiful presentation.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency and helping the sauce cling to the pasta.
• If you prefer less tangy flavor, reduce the lemon juice slightly.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free.
• The crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted or adjusted for spice preference.
• Fresh parsley can be substituted with basil or oregano for a different herbaceous note.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: lemon feta pasta, creamy pasta recipe, Mediterranean pasta, easy pasta dinner, feta cheese pasta