Creamy Pasta Recipes

Comfort Food Recipes Creamy Lemon Feta Linguine

This creamy lemon feta linguine is the kind of dish I reach for when I need comfort food recipes that don’t weigh me down. The tang of fresh lemon wakes up the pasta, while crumbled feta brings a salty kick that pairs perfectly with creamy sauce. It’s like sunshine in a bowl, only creamier. When I first tried lemon pasta recipes, I wasn’t sure how well citrus and cheese would play together. But trust me, they’re like old friends catching up over a glass of white wine. And feta? Well, it gives the pasta just enough edge so it doesn’t feel too rich. It’s the balance that keeps me coming back for another forkful. If you’re into creamy pasta recipes that still feel light, or if you’re hunting down recipes with feta because that block in the fridge keeps calling your name, this one’s for you. You can even turn it into one of those feta chicken recipes by tossing in some grilled chicken. Either way, it’s quick, it’s cozy, and it makes weekday dinners feel a little more special.

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Table of Contents

  • 1) Key Takeaways
  • 2) Easy Creamy Lemon Feta Linguine Recipe
  • 3) Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Feta Linguine
  • 4) How to Make Creamy Lemon Feta Linguine
  • 5) Tips for Making Creamy Lemon Feta Linguine
  • 6) Making Creamy Lemon Feta Linguine Ahead of Time
  • 7) Storing Leftover Creamy Lemon Feta Linguine
  • 8) Try these Main Course next!
  • 9) Creamy Lemon Feta Linguine
  • 10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

  • This recipe pairs pasta with feta cheese and fresh lemon for a cozy twist on comfort food recipes.
  • The creamy sauce clings to the noodles without feeling heavy, thanks to the citrus balance.
  • It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners.
  • Add chicken or shrimp for extra protein if you want to turn it into a full meal.

2) Easy Creamy Lemon Feta Linguine Recipe

If you’ve ever sat at your kitchen table craving something cozy yet fresh, this is your answer. I wanted a pasta that fits under comfort food recipes but doesn’t leave me ready for a nap. The creamy sauce and feta hold everything together, while lemon juice keeps each bite bright.

I’ve tried a lot of lemon pasta recipes over the years, but this one feels different. It’s rich without being too much, and it sneaks in that flavor lift that makes you want another plate. I like that I can pull this together after work without feeling like I’m running a marathon.

We all need creamy pasta recipes in our back pocket, and this one is reliable. If you’re into recipes with feta, this one checks the box. And if you keep wondering how to bring feta chicken recipes into your dinner plan, toss in a bit of grilled chicken for the easiest upgrade.

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3) Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Feta Linguine

Linguine: I like to use linguine because it’s long, smooth, and perfect for catching a creamy sauce. Any pasta will work, but linguine has that nice bite and surface that makes this dish shine.

Olive Oil: A few tablespoons of olive oil start things off. It carries flavor from the garlic and helps the sauce feel silky without extra heaviness.

Garlic: Fresh garlic is key. It adds depth, smells amazing when it hits the pan, and gives the sauce a warm base note that balances the citrus.

Heavy Cream: This is what makes the pasta creamy. It coats the noodles, softens the lemon, and gives the dish that satisfying texture.

Lemon: Both zest and juice go in. The zest is bold and fragrant, while the juice brightens the cream, making sure the dish stays balanced.

Red Pepper Flakes: Just a touch for warmth. It’s not meant to make it hot, only to keep the flavors lively.

Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta melts into the sauce a bit while leaving some chunks. That salty punch is the heart of this feta recipe.

Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning ties the dish together. I go light on salt since the feta adds plenty.

Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley right at the end adds color and a gentle herbal note.

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4) How to Make Creamy Lemon Feta Linguine

Step 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente. Save half a cup of the cooking water before draining.

Step 2. In a skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté just until fragrant. This is where the kitchen starts smelling irresistible.

Step 3. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Don’t rush it. Give it a minute to thicken slightly so it clings better to the pasta.

Step 4. Stir in lemon zest, juice, and red pepper flakes. The sauce will loosen, but as it simmers it finds the right texture.

Step 5. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet. Add a splash of the reserved water if the sauce feels too tight. Stir well until every noodle is coated.

Step 6. Fold in the feta. It should melt slightly and leave soft bits throughout the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 7. Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley for color and freshness.

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5) Tips for Making Creamy Lemon Feta Linguine

Salt your pasta water well. It’s the first step to getting flavorful noodles. A bland base will hold back the whole dish.

Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente noodles hold up against the sauce and give the dish a nice bite. Overcooked pasta can make the meal feel heavy.

Use fresh lemon if you can. Bottled juice won’t carry the same brightness. The zest especially makes a difference, adding that lift to creamy pasta recipes like this one.

6) Making Creamy Lemon Feta Linguine Ahead of Time

This dish tastes best fresh, but it can work as a make-ahead meal. If I prep it early, I keep the sauce separate until serving. Pasta soaks up liquid as it sits, and separating helps keep the texture right.

If you want to make a batch ahead, undercook the pasta slightly. That way, when you reheat, it finishes cooking in the sauce without turning soft. Store the sauce in a jar and the pasta in a container, then mix them together later.

It’s not the kind of recipe I’d leave in the fridge for days, but one night ahead works well. It’s a practical way to keep comfort food recipes ready when life gets busy.

7) Storing Leftover Creamy Lemon Feta Linguine

If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for two or three days. To reheat, use a pan on low heat with a splash of milk or cream. That brings the sauce back to life without making it greasy.

Microwaving works in a pinch, though the sauce won’t coat the pasta as well. If you add just a spoonful of water before heating, it helps prevent the noodles from drying out.

I don’t recommend freezing this dish. Creamy sauces with dairy tend to separate once thawed, and the texture just doesn’t hold up. Better to enjoy it fresh and make another batch when the craving comes back.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Creamy Lemon Feta Linguine

Comfort Food Recipes Creamy Lemon Feta Linguine

This creamy lemon feta linguine is the kind of dish I reach for when I need comfort food recipes that don’t weigh me down. The tang of fresh lemon wakes up the pasta, while crumbled feta brings a salty kick that pairs perfectly with creamy sauce. It’s like sunshine in a bowl, only creamier. When I first tried lemon pasta recipes, I wasn’t sure how well citrus and cheese would play together. But trust me, they’re like old friends catching up over a glass of white wine. And feta? Well, it gives the pasta just enough edge so it doesn’t feel too rich. It’s the balance that keeps me coming back for another forkful. If you’re into creamy pasta recipes that still feel light, or if you’re hunting down recipes with feta because that block in the fridge keeps calling your name, this one’s for you. You can even turn it into one of those feta chicken recipes by tossing in some grilled chicken. Either way, it’s quick, it’s cozy, and it makes weekday dinners feel a little more special.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: comfort food recipes, creamy pasta recipes, feta chicken recipes, feta recipe, lemon pasta recipes, recipes with feta
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Lila

Ingredients

  • 12 oz linguine pasta
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
  4. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce thicken slightly.
  5. Toss in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce clings to the noodles.
  6. Fold in crumbled feta and season with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve warm, topped with fresh parsley.

10) Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe, Calories: 510, Sugar: 3 g, Sodium: 540 mg, Fat: 28 g, Saturated Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Fiber: 3 g, Protein: 13 g, Cholesterol: 65 mg

Written by Lila at Lila Cooks

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