Name: Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (preferably Saputo); Salt and pepper, to taste; 6 oz asparagus (about 12 spears, woody ends removed and cut into 1½ inch pieces); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 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

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 11 reviews

If you have a passion for vibrant, fresh flavors wrapped in luscious creaminess, you’re in for a real treat with this Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that effortlessly balances tangy, savory, and herbal notes, making every bite a delightful celebration of taste and texture. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, this pasta brings together simple ingredients with a gourmet finesse that’s both approachable and unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface holds a crumbly white cheese that forms the bottom layer. A woman's hand is pouring a shiny, golden yellow liquid from a small metallic measuring cup marked

These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential. Each one plays a specific role—bringing brightness, creaminess, or that perfect hint of earthiness to the final plate.

Garlic: Minced cloves give an aromatic base that elevates all other flavors.
Asparagus: Fresh spears add a crisp texture and vibrant green color to contrast the creamy sauce.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used twice for sautéing and flavor, this keeps the dish light yet rich.
Lemon zest and juice: Brightens the entire recipe with a refreshing citrus punch.
Feta cheese: Crumbled, tangy, and creamy, preferably Saputo for the best texture and flavor.
Butter: Adds silkiness and depth to the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: The luxurious base that makes the sauce incredibly velvety.
Flour: Used to thicken the sauce gently without overpowering the texture.
Water: Helps make the flour slurry for a perfectly smooth sauce.
Chopped parsley: Fresh herbs infuse the dish with a lovely herbal brightness and color.
Cooked linguine pasta: A perfect vessel to soak up all the creamy, lemony goodness.
Salt and pepper: To season every component harmoniously.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your linguine in well-salted water until it is just shy of al dente. This ensures the pasta will finish perfectly when tossed with the sauce. Remember to save half a cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for adjusting your sauce consistency later if needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Feta Sauce

While the pasta cooks, whisk together lemon zest, juice, and olive oil in a bowl until combined beautifully. Then fold in the crumbled feta cheese along with a pinch of black pepper. The result is a creamy, tangy sauce that’s bursting with flavor and ready to layer incredible depth onto your pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Asparagus

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—this usually takes about a minute and releases a wonderful aroma. Toss in the asparagus pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook just until tender-crisp, around 5 to 7 minutes, which keeps their snap and bite alive. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Hot Pasta Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add the heavy cream, bringing it gently to a simmer. Whisk together flour and water in a small cup, then stir this slurry into the simmering cream. Continue stirring for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens perfectly into a luscious, silky coating for your pasta. Stir in chopped parsley, and season well with salt and pepper for an herbal finish.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss your cooked linguine into the hot creamy sauce, making sure every strand is luxuriously coated. Remove from heat and gently fold in the lemon feta sauce for that bright, tangy finish. Lastly, incorporate the sautéed asparagus to add a fresh vegetable boost. This step is key to marrying the creamy and citrus flavors with bright green freshness.

Step 6: Enjoy

Serve your masterpiece immediately, with extra parsley sprinkled on top if you like a pop of green. This pasta is best enjoyed fresh to experience the full symphony of textures and flavors.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Recipe

A white bowl with a thin blue rim holds creamy pasta with visible asparagus pieces mixed in. On top of the pasta, some green herbs and small white cheese bits add texture. A gold fork holds a close-up portion of the pasta, showing creamy white sauce coating the noodles and more herbs. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there is a blurry blue dish with more pasta. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Classic parsley works wonderfully as a garnish, enhancing both color and brightness. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a few lemon zest curls can elevate the dish’s appeal and flavor.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some roasted cherry tomatoes to complement the creamy, tangy sauce. Garlic bread or warm focaccia can add a delightful crunch to your meal experience.

Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Recipe Creative Ways to Present

Try serving in shallow bowls with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a lemon wedge on the side for a fresh squeeze at the table. For a more festive occasion, garnish with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds to introduce a delightful crunch alongside the creamy texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover creamy lemon feta pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the fresh lemon and creamy sauce, it’s best to enjoy leftovers soon to maintain flavor integrity.

Freezing

This recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the cream sauce, which can separate and become grainy upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the pasta and sauce components separately if you want to prepare in advance.

Reheating

When reheating, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the sauce from curdling and ensure even warming.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully, feel free to swap in penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use full-fat coconut milk or a mixture of milk and cream cheese as a substitute, but keep in mind the flavor and consistency will vary slightly. Heavy cream gives the richest, creamiest result.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

This recipe is already vegetarian since it uses no meat. For a vegan twist, substitute feta and cream with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream and vegan feta cheese, making sure to adjust seasonings accordingly.

What if I don’t have fresh asparagus?

You can replace asparagus with other veggies like zucchini, green beans, or broccoli. Just sauté them until tender-crisp to maintain contrast with the creamy sauce.

Can I prepare the lemon feta sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The lemon feta sauce can be made a few hours in advance and refrigerated. Just give it a good whisk before combining with the hot pasta to restore creaminess and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta Recipe is truly a gem that deserves a spot in your recipe rotation. It’s easy to make but impressively flavorful, capturing freshness, creaminess, and a touch of zest all in one delightful dish. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a favorite to turn to whenever you crave comfort with a bright twist.