Zesty Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Recipe: A Tangy Dream Come True

Twirling forks through a creamy lemon feta pasta promises a Mediterranean escape right at your kitchen counter.

Bright citrus notes dance alongside salty cheese crumbles in this quick weeknight marvel.

Mediterranean ingredients blend effortlessly, creating a sauce that clings perfectly to each pasta strand.

Simplicity meets sophisticated flavor in this delightful dish that comes together faster than you can imagine.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add a vibrant burst of color and aroma.

Crushed red pepper flakes offer optional heat for those craving an extra kick.

This recipe will become your new go-to comfort meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

What You Need For Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base that provides a delightful canvas for the creamy sauce.
• Feta Cheese: A tangy Greek cheese that creates a rich and creamy texture.
• Lemon: Adds a bright, zesty flavor to elevate the entire dish.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Helps create a smooth and luxurious sauce consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping that adds a salty and nutty finish.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: Provide depth, heat, and balanced seasoning to the pasta.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté garlic and create a foundation for the sauce.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh herbal touch and vibrant color to the dish.

Simple Steps For Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Prep

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Drain the pasta, but save a splash of pasta water – this liquid gold will come in handy later. Set the cooked pasta aside.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Drop in the minced garlic and let it dance around for a minute or two until it releases its aromatic magic. Watch carefully to prevent any burning.

Step 3: Create a Dreamy Sauce

• Crumbled feta cheese
• Heavy cream
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Stir the mixture until the feta starts to melt and transform into a silky, creamy sauce that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Step 4: Adjust the Sauce Consistency

If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water. Stir and watch it become the perfect, velvety consistency that’ll coat every pasta strand.

Step 5: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, stirring until every piece is generously coated with the lemony, creamy goodness.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. For an extra touch of decadence, shower some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Serve hot and enjoy your culinary creation!

Helpful Tips For Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Success

• Ensure pasta is perfectly al dente by testing a minute before package instructions suggest for optimal texture.
• Reserve pasta water carefully, as its starchy liquid helps create smoother, silkier sauce consistency.
• Control heat when sautéing garlic to prevent burning, which can create bitter flavor; medium-low works best.
• Adjust sauce thickness gradually by adding reserved pasta water incrementally for ideal creamy results.
• Select fresh, high-quality feta for richer flavor and smoother melting in the sauce.

Fun Ways To Tweak Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta

• Zesty Mediterranean Spin: Replace feta with crumbled goat cheese and add chopped kalamata olives for a more intense Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Herbed Greek Version: Mix in fresh dill and oregano instead of basil, then top with crumbled cucumber for a crisp, refreshing texture.
• Spicy Seafood Upgrade: Incorporate cooked shrimp or crab meat into the pasta, increasing red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat and oceanic richness.
• Roasted Vegetable Edition: Add roasted cherry tomatoes and grilled zucchini chunks to introduce more depth and smoky undertones to the creamy sauce.

What Goes Well With Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta

• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the creamy, tangy pasta with their bright, zesty profiles that match the lemon and feta flavors.
• Pair with Citrusy Greek Salad: Create a light side dish with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and olive oil dressing to enhance the Mediterranean-inspired pasta's freshness and balance its richness.
• Crisp Herb-Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a side of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to add texture and cut through the creamy sauce's intensity.

How To Store Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with fresh herbs to maintain best quality.
• Place pasta in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when pasta reaches steaming temperature.
• Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of milk or water to restore creamy texture. Stir gently and continuously until heated through, approximately 3-5 minutes.

Quick Help With Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Questions

• Can I use another type of cheese instead of feta?

Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them completely for a non-spicy version.

• How can I make this dish vegetarian?

The recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure you use vegetarian-friendly cheese and dairy products.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

It’s best served immediately, but you can reheat gently with a splash of pasta water to restore the creamy consistency.

Why Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Is Bright And Bold

• Boost Flavor Instantly: Tangy feta and bright lemon create an explosion of taste that transforms a simple pasta dish into a gourmet experience.
• Stress-Free Cooking: Requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Comes together in less than 20 minutes, providing a fast and satisfying dinner solution for busy families or individuals craving a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like adding protein, swapping herbs, or adjusting spice levels to match individual preferences and pantry ingredients.

Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta delivers zesty flavor in minutes, blending tangy feta with bright citrus notes. Effortless preparation ensures you savor a restaurant-quality meal without complex cooking techniques.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water at high heat for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender, maintaining an al dente texture. Drain pasta, preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid.
2. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium temperature. Sauté minced garlic for approximately 1-2 minutes, releasing aromatic flavors without scorching.
3. Introduce crumbled feta cheese, rich cream, vibrant lemon juice, and fragrant lemon zest into the skillet. Gently stir ingredients, allowing feta to slowly dissolve and create a velvety sauce.
4. Adjust sauce consistency by gradually incorporating reserved pasta water, whisking until achieving a smooth, silky texture.
5. Enliven the sauce with a sprinkle of fiery red pepper flakes, balanced with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance overall flavor profile.
6. Thoroughly coat pasta with the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is generously embraced by the lemony, cheesy mixture.
7. Finish the dish by adorning with delicate fresh herbs like basil or parsley, and optionally crown with a light dusting of sharp Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor dimension.

Notes

• Prevent sauce separation by using low heat and stirring constantly when melting feta to ensure smooth, creamy texture.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dietary-friendly version that maintains rich consistency.
• Customize heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes or substituting with smoked paprika for milder flavor profile.
• Enhance dish’s nutritional value by adding roasted vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra vitamins and color.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 444 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg