Lemon Feta Pasta

Picture a bowl of warm, inviting pasta, glistening with a light, lemony sheen and dotted with creamy feta crumbles.

There’s something about the tangy aroma of fresh lemon mingling with garlic that promises comfort in every bite.

This Lemon Feta Pasta is so easy to make, it’s a go-to favorite for busy weeknights.

As the ingredients meld together, they transform into a delightful, flavorful dish.

Let’s bring this vibrant meal to life!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 medium skillet
• 1 colander
• 1 mixing bowl
• 1 whisk
• 1 wooden spoon

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta of choice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Lemon Feta Pasta, you can follow this timeline:

1. Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
   • Spend a few minutes reading through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients needed.
2. Prep Work (5 minutes)
   • Gather and measure all the ingredients.
   • Mince the garlic.
   • Juice and zest the lemon.
   • Chop the fresh parsley.
3. Cooking (15 minutes)
   • Minute 1-2: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Minute 3-7: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
   • Minute 8: Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest using a colander.
   • Minute 9: In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Minute 10-11: Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Minute 12: Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes.
   • Minute 13: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
   • Minute 14: Gradually add the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
   • Minute 15: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.

Recipe Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest using a colander.

In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.

Gradually add the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.

Mix in crumbled feta cheese and stir until slightly melted.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Tips

• Grilled Chicken: Add some sliced grilled chicken on top to make it a more protein-rich meal.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli or asparagus for a nutritious and colorful addition.
• Crusty Bread: Pair with a warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon feta sauce.
• Greek Salad: Complement the dish with a classic Greek salad for a revitalizing side.
• Roasted Tomatoes: Add roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and color.

Storage

To store Lemon Feta Pasta, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the sauce.

Freezing

To freeze Lemon Feta Pasta, let it cool completely.

Then transfer it to an airtight container.

Label with the date.

Store for up to two months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat Lemon Feta Pasta, use a skillet over medium heat.

Add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying.

Stir frequently until warm.

Guarantee even heating.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Feta Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together the zestiness of lemon and the creaminess of feta.

It’s a perfect choice for a quick weeknight meal. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you can have a delicious Mediterranean-inspired pasta ready in just 25 minutes.

The key is to balance the flavors with the right amount of lemon juice, zest, and spices. Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste preference.

Enjoy this vibrant dish garnished with fresh parsley for an added burst of freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese Instead of Feta?

You can substitute feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a creamy texture. Use 1 cup of your chosen cheese. Make sure it crumbles or melts easily, maintaining the dish’s balance. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Is It Possible to Make This Dish Gluten-Free?

Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Use 12 ounces of gluten-free pasta, follow the same cooking techniques, and guarantee all other ingredients, like feta and seasonings, are certified gluten-free for safety and authenticity.

What Wine Pairs Well With Lemon Feta Pasta?

You’ll want a crisp, dry white wine. A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will complement the lemon’s acidity and feta’s creaminess. Make sure the wine is well-chilled at 45°F for best flavor enhancement and balance.

How Can I Add Protein to This Pasta Dish?

To add protein, cook 8 ounces of diced chicken breast or 10 ounces of shrimp in the skillet before adding garlic. Sauté until cooked through. Alternatively, mix in 1 cup of cooked chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Can I Use Dried Parsley Instead of Fresh?

You can substitute dried parsley for fresh by using 1 tablespoon of dried parsley. Since dried herbs are more concentrated, reduce the quantity. Add it during step 10 for ideal flavor integration and allow it to rehydrate slightly.

Lemon Feta Pasta

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Medium Skillet
• 1 colander
• 1 Mixing bowl
• 1 Whisk
• 1 Wooden spoon

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 12 ounces pasta of choice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 lemon juiced and zested
• 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
• Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest using a colander.
• In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes.
• Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
• Gradually add the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
• Mix in crumbled feta cheese and stir until slightly melted.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For optimal flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated lemon zest. Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. If the pasta seems too dry, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.