Description
A refreshing and indulgent pasta dish that combines tangy lemon with creamy feta cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (such as penne or spaghetti)
- 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, remembering to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes. Allow to simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Lower the heat and add crumbled feta cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until incorporated, then add chopped parsley.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with lemon slices and feta, if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream. Save pasta water for the best sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 65mg