Creamy Feta-Lemon Penne with Asparagus

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Creamy Feta-Lemon Penne with Asparagus

There’s something truly magical about a dish that brings the whole family together at the dinner table. This Creamy Feta-Lemon Penne with Asparagus is one of those meals. It’s fresh, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade and delicious.

I first made this dish on a whim, craving something comforting yet light enough for spring. The tangy, creamy feta blends beautifully with the bright zest of lemon, and the crisp asparagus adds the perfect touch of texture. The first time I served it, my kids (who usually avoid anything green) devoured it without a second thought. Even my husband, who’s usually a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy, went back for seconds.

What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish that tastes like it took hours. The best part? It’s completely adaptable—add some grilled chicken for extra protein, swap in spinach if you don’t have asparagus, or throw in some sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.

So, whether you’re feeding a hungry family or simply looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this creamy, zesty pasta will not disappoint. Let’s dive into the details!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! While penne works great for holding onto the creamy sauce, you can use rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to feta?
You can try dairy-free feta substitutes or a combination of cashew cream and nutritional yeast for a similar tangy flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve. Just store the sauce separately and mix before serving.

What can I serve with this dish?
A simple side salad, garlic bread, or grilled chicken pair wonderfully with this pasta.

How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a kick!

What You Need to Make Creamy Feta-Lemon Penne with Asparagus

Ingredients:

12 oz penne pasta

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

4 oz feta cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tbsp lemon juice

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 cup chopped fresh dill (optional)

1/4 cup toasted walnuts (optional, for crunch)

Special Equipment:

Large pot for boiling pasta

Skillet for sautéing

Zester for lemon zest

How to Make Creamy Feta-Lemon Penne with Asparagus

Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions. In the last 2 minutes, add the asparagus to the boiling pasta. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Melt the Cheese – Lower the heat and stir in feta, Parmesan, heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.

Combine Everything – Add the drained pasta and asparagus to the skillet. Toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper.

Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle fresh dill and toasted walnuts over the top for extra flavor and texture. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Feta-Lemon Penne with Asparagus

Use fresh ingredients – Fresh lemon zest and juice make a huge difference in brightening the flavors.

Don’t overcook the asparagus – Adding it in the last two minutes of boiling the pasta keeps it crisp and vibrant.

Adjust the consistency – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Toast your nuts – If using walnuts, toasting them for a few minutes enhances their flavor and crunch.

Add protein – Grilled chicken or shrimp makes a great addition if you want a heartier meal.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Absolutely delicious! My kids ate every last bite, which is rare when veggies are involved. Definitely making this again!” – Sarah M.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved how creamy and fresh this tasted! I added grilled chicken for extra protein, and it was perfect.” – Jason R.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Quick, easy, and restaurant-quality! The feta and lemon combo is a game changer.” – Emily L.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ “It was good, but I would add more spice next time. A pinch of red pepper flakes might do the trick.” – Alex B.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The best weeknight dinner ever! Super flavorful and came together so fast. Adding this to my regular rotation!” – Lisa K.

Printable Recipe

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