Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors with simple ingredients. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner. The creamy feta sauce gives this pasta a unique taste, while fresh asparagus adds a nice crunch. Plus, it’s easy and quick to prepare!
How to Make Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta
Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 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)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled, preferably Saputo)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 400 g cooked linguine pasta
Directions
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Cook the Pasta: Boil the linguine in salted water according to package instructions until just shy of al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
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Prepare the Feta Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil until well combined. Add the crumbled feta and a pinch of black pepper, whisking until the sauce is creamy and mostly uniform in texture. Set aside.
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Cook the Asparagus: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the asparagus pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set aside.
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Make the Hot Pasta Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. In a small cup, whisk together the flour and water until smooth, then stir this mixture into the simmering cream. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Stir in the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the hot pasta sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Remove from heat and pour over the lemon feta sauce, mixing well. Gently fold in the cooked asparagus.
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Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta
Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta is best enjoyed warm. You can serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal. Garnish it with extra parsley or some grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor!
How to Store Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta
If you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It should be eaten within 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to refresh the sauce.
Tips to Make Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the asparagus; it should be tender but still crunchy.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of feta cheese based on your taste preference.
- For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream or a plant-based cream alternative.
Variation
You can add grilled chicken or shrimp to the pasta for extra protein. Additionally, try swapping out the asparagus for spinach or broccoli for a different twist!
FAQs
1. Can I make this pasta vegan?
Yes! You can use a vegan cream substitute and a plant-based feta cheese.
2. What type of pasta works best?
While linguine is recommended, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne or fettuccine.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
It’s not recommended to freeze the creamy feta sauce as it may separate upon thawing. However, you can freeze the plain pasta for future use.
