Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. This Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta works with penne, spaghetti, rotini, bowties—whatever you’ve got. Shapes with ridges hold sauce especially well.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it won’t be quite as rich. If you try milk, keep expectations realistic—still tasty, just less velvety.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of water or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

Yes! Grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas work great. (Chicken + lemon + feta is basically a love story.)

Only if you add the red pepper flakes. Leave them out for a milder, kid-friendly version.

Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta: Blissfully Easy in 20!

Description

Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta is a bright, cozy pasta dish made with a silky lemon cream sauce, tangy feta, and tender penne—easy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite shape)
1–2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
Zest of 1 lemon
2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
4–6 oz feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon slices, for garnish

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and stir in feta cheese gradually until smooth and creamy.
Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Slowly add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches a silky consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir in Parmesan and parsley until combined.
Serve immediately, garnished with lemon slices and extra feta if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip reserving the pasta water—it helps the sauce cling beautifully.

Keep heat low when adding feta to avoid a grainy sauce.

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 14 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg