Imagine a bowl of creamy lemon feta pasta, where each bite bursts with the zesty brightness of fresh lemons and the rich, tangy goodness of feta cheese. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, teasing your senses and promising a culinary adventure that’s both simple and sophisticated. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?
- Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
- What type of pasta works best?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish holds a special place in my heart; it reminds me of summer picnics with my family, where laughter mingled with the scent of lemons and basil. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together, making even the most mundane weeknight feel like a celebration. Trust me when I say that each forkful delivers an explosion of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds—and maybe thirds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy lemon feta pasta is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The vibrant flavors dance on your palate, creating a delightful culinary experience
- Visually stunning with its creamy texture and bright colors, this dish is sure to impress anyone at your table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for added flair
I remember serving this creamy lemon feta pasta to friends during a casual dinner party—everyone was raving about how delicious it was!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pasta: I recommend using spaghetti or fettuccine for that perfect creamy texture.
Feta Cheese: Choose high-quality feta for the best flavor; crumbled works best in this recipe.
Fresh Lemons: Use juicy lemons for zesting and juicing; they elevate the dish’s freshness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add depth; minced garlic releases fantastic aromas while cooking.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances richness and adds healthy fats to your pasta.
Fresh Basil: Brighten up your dish with fresh basil; it adds color and aromatic flavor.
For the Sauce:
Pasta Water: Save some starchy pasta water to help create that luscious sauce consistency.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper gives a gentle kick; adjust according to your spice preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta
Start by boiling water in a large pot; salt it generously for seasoning. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. You want that perfect bite that holds up against the creamy sauce.
Next, while the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—before it turns golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like heaven right about now!
Once your pasta is ready, reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining it. Add drained pasta directly into the pan with sautéed garlic. Toss everything together so those garlicky flavors coat each strand beautifully.
Now comes the star moment! Crumble your feta cheese over the pasta and squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Stir gently while adding reserved pasta water as needed until you achieve that dreamy creamy consistency. The feta will melt slightly but still retain its shape.
Finally, throw in freshly chopped basil and season with black pepper to taste. Toss everything together one last time until well combined—your creamy lemon feta pasta is ready! Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if desired and watch as everyone dives in.
Enjoy every delicious bite of this delightful dish!
You Must Know
- This creamy lemon feta pasta not only dazzles the taste buds but also simplifies weeknight dinners
- With its zesty flavor and silky texture, it’s bound to become a family favorite
- Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your pasta until al dente. While it’s cooking, melt butter in a pan and sauté garlic. Combine everything with crumbled feta and lemon juice for a delicious sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the pasta for whole grain or gluten-free options. You can also add sautéed vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly creamy results, use high-quality feta cheese that melts well
- Cooking pasta just shy of al dente ensures it absorbs sauce beautifully
- Don’t skip the lemon zest; it brightens the dish remarkably and enhances flavors
The first time I made this creamy lemon feta pasta, my friends devoured it and begged for the recipe! Their enthusiasm reminded me how simple meals can create unforgettable moments around the dinner table.
FAQ
Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?
Absolutely! Try goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It stores well and can be reheated easily during the week.
What type of pasta works best?
Any pasta shape works great, but penne or fusilli hold sauce beautifully.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta is a delightful dish that combines fresh flavors and creamy goodness for a quick yet sophisticated meal. Bursting with zesty lemon, rich feta cheese, and aromatic basil, this pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties. Enjoy it in under 30 minutes and create delicious memories around the table.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 large fresh lemons (zest and juice)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Add drained pasta to the pan with garlic; toss to coat.
- Crumble feta cheese over the pasta and squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Stir gently, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired creaminess.
- Mix in chopped basil and season with black pepper. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 30mg