Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful and easy comfort meal, you’ve come to the right place! This Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my household. It’s one of those dishes that effortlessly combines rich flavors with simple preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even family gatherings. Just imagine twirling perfectly cooked linguine around your fork, coated in a creamy lemon sauce with pops of bright asparagus and tangy feta. It’s a bowl of sunshine on your dinner table!

What I love most about this recipe is how it balances wholesome ingredients with indulgent flavors. Plus, it comes together in just 25 minutes, which means you can enjoy your evening without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: With its creamy texture and delicious flavors, everyone at the table will be asking for seconds!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the sauce in advance and simply toss everything together when you’re ready to eat.
• Fresh Ingredients: Featuring bright lemon and fresh asparagus, this pasta is as nutritious as it is tasty.
• Versatile Dish: This recipe is easily adaptable; you can add your favorite veggies or proteins to customize it to your liking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that are sure to elevate your dinner experience! Each component works beautifully together to create a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

For the Pasta

• 400 g cooked linguine pasta

For the Feta Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled, preferably Saputo)

For the Asparagus

• 6 oz. asparagus (about 12 spears, woody ends removed and cut into 1½ inch pieces)
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Cream Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp water
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Variations

This Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal that packs even more flavor.
• Swap the Veggies: Feel free to substitute asparagus with spinach or broccoli for different textures and tastes.
• Make It Vegan: Use tofu feta or a dairy-free cream alternative to make this dish plant-based.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil for an extra kick of flavor.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your linguine in salted water according to package instructions until it’s just shy of al dente. This is key because you’ll finish cooking it later in the sauce! Remember to reserve ½ cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for our sauce!

Step 2: Prepare the Feta Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil until everything is well combined. The acidity from the lemon balanced with the richness of feta creates an irresistible sauce. Add crumbled feta and a pinch of black pepper—whisk until it’s creamy and mostly uniform. Set this aside while we cook our veggies.

Step 3: Cook the Asparagus

In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—this should only take about a minute. Then toss in your asparagus pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they’re tender-crisp (about 5-7 minutes). Remove them from the skillet so they don’t overcook.

Step 4: Make the Hot Pasta Sauce

In that same skillet (no need to wash it!), melt butter over medium heat. Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. In a small cup, whisk together flour and water until smooth; stir this mixture into the simmering cream—this helps thicken our sauce! Keep stirring frequently for about 10 minutes until it’s nice and thick. Stir in chopped parsley along with salt and pepper; this adds color as well as flavor.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Now comes the fun part! Add your cooked pasta directly into that luscious hot pasta sauce—toss gently so every strand gets coated evenly. Turn off the heat, then pour over that dreamy lemon feta sauce we set aside earlier; mix well! Gently fold in those beautiful asparagus pieces you cooked earlier.

Step 6: Enjoy

Serve immediately while it’s warm! A sprinkle of additional parsley on top makes for a lovely garnish if desired. Grab a fork and dig into this delicious bowl of Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta—it’s bound to become a new favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Recipe

Creating a delicious Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta is all about the little details! Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh asparagus and high-quality feta cheese whenever possible. Fresh produce enhances the overall flavor and texture of your pasta dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking your linguine just shy of al dente allows it to absorb more of the creamy sauce while maintaining the perfect bite. This step is key for achieving that delightful mouthfeel.
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, feel free to reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with a plant-based cream alternative. This way, you can customize the dish to suit your taste preferences.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the sauce. This can introduce new flavor dimensions that complement the lemon and feta beautifully.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save that reserved pasta water! It’s an excellent way to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick, ensuring a silky finish.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Recipe

Serving up your Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some ideas to present your delicious creation beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest on top adds a vibrant citrus aroma and enhances the overall lemony goodness of the dish.
• Cracked Black Pepper: A light dusting of cracked black pepper not only looks appealing but also adds an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is a classic companion that complements the creamy pasta perfectly, providing a satisfying crunch.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables, like bell peppers and zucchini, add both flavor and nutrition, making for a well-rounded meal.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds bright color and balances out the dish with its healthy green goodness.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your delightful Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance, store it, and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week. Here’s how to keep your pasta fresh and tasty:

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover pasta in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the pasta is cooled to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing

• Allow the pasta to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen pasta overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer – penne, farfalle, or even gluten-free options will work just fine.

How can I make this Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Recipe lighter?

To lighten up the dish, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of butter or substitute it with olive oil for a healthier fat option.

What can I serve with Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta?

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. You could also serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Recipe as much as I do! It’s a cozy dish that brings warmth and flavor to any dinner table. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!