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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium temperature. Sauté minced garlic for approximately 1-2 minutes, releasing aromatic flavors without scorching.
- 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.
- Adjust sauce consistency by gradually incorporating reserved pasta water, whisking until achieving a smooth, silky texture.
- Enliven the sauce with a sprinkle of fiery red pepper flakes, balanced with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance overall flavor profile.
- Thoroughly coat pasta with the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is generously embraced by the lemony, cheesy mixture.
- 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