Luscious Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta

$To make this dish, gather these key items: - 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne works well) - 1 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1 lemon (zest and juice) - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients blend together to create a creamy, tangy delight. The feta adds a rich flavor, while the lemon brings brightness to the dish. You can enhance this pasta with a few simple garnishes: - Fresh basil leaves - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) Using fresh basil adds a pop of color and flavor. The Parmesan gives a nice salty touch. While spaghetti and penne are great options, feel free to try other types: - Fusilli - Farfalle - Orecchiette These shapes hold the sauce well and make each bite enjoyable. Choose what you like best! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, boil a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add 12 oz of pasta. You can choose spaghetti or penne; both work well. Cook the pasta until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This water helps adjust the sauce later. After draining, set the pasta aside. Next, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant, not brown. Then, lower the heat. Add 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet. Stir the mixture until the feta melts and becomes smooth. Now, it’s time to add flavor. Stir in the zest and juice of 1 lemon. Mix it well. If the sauce feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water until it's creamy. Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss it so the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy lemon feta sauce. Serve it hot and garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if you like. To get that creamy texture, use heavy cream. This gives the sauce richness. If it feels too thick, add a little pasta water. This water has starch from the pasta. It helps the sauce cling better. Stir well to combine everything smoothly. For extra flavor, zest the lemon before juicing it. The zest adds brightness. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or parsley. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a spicy kick. If you like a nutty taste, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top. Don't overcook the pasta; it should be al dente. Overcooked pasta gets mushy. Avoid heating the feta cheese too much. You want it to melt slightly but not turn grainy. Lastly, taste your sauce before serving. Adjust the seasoning as needed for the best flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest will enhance the flavor of your pasta significantly compared to bottled lemon juice. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can replace half of the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth for a delicious twist. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor, or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente. It will continue to cook slightly after being added to the sauce, ensuring the perfect texture. {{image_2}} To make this dish vegetarian, simply keep the feta cheese and heavy cream. For a vegan twist, swap out the feta for plant-based feta. Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This keeps the taste rich without dairy. If you want more protein, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp. Both pair well with the creamy sauce. For a vegetarian protein, consider chickpeas or lentils. They add a hearty texture and boost nutrition. You can toss them in with the pasta for a filling meal. You can change the flavor by adding herbs. Fresh parsley or thyme gives a nice touch. If you enjoy spice, try red pepper flakes for heat. Adding sun-dried tomatoes can give a tangy twist. You can even mix in roasted vegetables for extra texture and taste. Each choice makes the dish unique and exciting. After enjoying your creamy lemon feta pasta, store any leftovers right away. Use an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh and tasty. Be sure to let it cool to room temperature first. Once cooled, place it in the fridge. Leftovers stay good for up to three days. When reheating, you have a few options. You can use the microwave or the stove. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir often to avoid hot spots. For the stove, add a splash of water or cream to help it stay creamy. Heat on low, stirring gently until warm. If you want to save pasta for later, freezing is a great choice. First, cool it completely and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. This pasta can last up to two months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight before warming. Making Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta takes about 25 minutes in total. You spend 10 minutes prepping and 15 minutes cooking. This quick dish fits perfectly into a busy day. You can enjoy a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Yes, you can use low-fat options for some ingredients. You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a low-fat cream. Low-fat feta cheese is also available. Keep in mind that the taste and texture may change slightly, but it will still be tasty. If you don’t have feta cheese, try goat cheese or ricotta. Both options give a similar creamy texture. You can also use cottage cheese for a lower-fat choice. These substitutes keep your pasta delicious while adding a unique twist. Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta is a simple dish with bold flavors. We explored its main ingredients, from pasta to feta, and how to garnish it. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and preparing the sauce. You learned tips for a creamy texture and flavor boosts. We also covered variations, storage tips, and common FAQs. This dish is great for customization and easy to make. Enjoy creating and sharing your own delicious versions!$

Luscious Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with lemon and feta cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (your choice, such as spaghetti or penne)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 whole lemon (zest and juice)
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves
for serving grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Lower the heat and add the crumbled feta cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the feta has melted and the mixture is smooth.
Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Mix well to combine. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Add dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy lemon feta mixture.
Plate the pasta in bowls or on a large serving platter. Top with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if using.

Notes

Add more pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Keyword creamy, feta, lemon, pasta, quick meal