Creamy Feta & Pea Pasta
This pasta is a burst of spring flavors in a bowl — sweet green peas, tangy feta, a silky olive oil–garlic sauce, and a hint of lemon. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for guests. The feta melts into the hot pasta water, creating a naturally creamy, cheesy sauce without heavy cream.
Time
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Pasta
12 oz (340 g) pasta (fusilli, farfalle, or penne work well)
1 cup frozen or fresh peas
3 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp salt, plus more for pasta water
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried oregano
For the Creamy Sauce
6 oz (170 g) crumbled feta cheese
½ cup reserved pasta water
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of ½ lemon
For Garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra crumbled feta
Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta & Peas
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Add peas to the pot for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain pasta and peas.
2. Make the Garlic Base
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not burn).
Create the Creamy Feta Sauce:
Stir in oregano, salt, and pepper.
Lower heat to low. Add cooked pasta and peas to the skillet.
Add crumbled feta, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a splash of reserved pasta water.
Toss until the feta melts into a creamy sauce, adding more pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
4. Serve
Divide pasta among bowls.
Garnish with fresh parsley, extra feta, and a crack of black pepper.
Notes & Tips
Make it extra creamy: Blend feta with a bit of pasta water and lemon juice before tossing with the pasta.
Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
For a richer flavor: Add 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato paste to the garlic step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use goat cheese instead of feta?
Yes — goat cheese will give a tangier, softer flavor and creamier texture.
Q: Can I make it without lemon?
Yes, but the lemon helps balance the saltiness of the feta and freshness of the peas.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~390
Protein: 14g
Carbs: 54g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g