Imagine a plate of pasta so irresistibly creamy and bright, it transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience. This Creamy Lemon Pasta with Asparagus, Mushrooms, and Feta is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that combines tangy, earthy, and rich flavors in one spectacular dish. Whether you're a busy professional craving a quick gourmet meal or a home cook looking to impress, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Wash and chop asparagus into 1-inch pieces. Clean and slice mushrooms into thin, even slices.
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté mushrooms until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add chopped asparagus to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp, maintaining a vibrant green color.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
- In the same skillet with vegetables, reduce heat to low and add heavy cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and warm through.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top, allowing it to slightly melt into the warm pasta.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh ground pepper or chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Always add plenty of salt to your boiling water. This is your first chance to season the pasta from the inside out.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water is liquid gold for creating silky, clingy sauces. Don't drain it all away!
- Vegetable Timing is Key: Sauté mushrooms first to develop deep flavor, then add asparagus to maintain its bright green color and crisp texture.
- Low and Slow Sauce: When adding cream and lemon, use low heat to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, luxurious sauce.
- Feta Finale: Add feta cheese at the very end to let it slightly melt but retain its crumbly texture.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra layer of freshness, or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 70mg
