Creamy Basil Pesto Spaghetti with Feta

Creamy Basil Pesto Spaghetti with Feta is a flavorful pasta dish that combines the fragrant taste of fresh basil pesto with the creaminess of feta cheese. Tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti, it offers a rich yet refreshing flavor that makes it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a delightful mix of creamy, savory, and herbal flavors. The pesto brings vibrant green freshness, while the feta adds a tangy creaminess that balances the richness. It comes together quickly, requires minimal cooking, and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Spaghetti pasta

• Fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

• Olive oil

• Garlic, minced

• Heavy cream or half-and-half

• Feta cheese, crumbled

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Directions

1. Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Stir in basil pesto and heavy cream, mixing until well combined.

4. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat evenly.

5. Stir in crumbled feta and season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

• Use penne or linguine instead of spaghetti.

• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

• Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted vegetables for more texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or cream to maintain the sauce’s texture. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the sauce from separating.

FAQs

1. Can I make my own pesto?

Yes, homemade pesto with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil is excellent.

2. Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Yes, goat cheese or ricotta work well for creaminess.

3. How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?

Add a splash of pasta water when reheating to restore moisture.

4. Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, as long as your pesto is made without animal-based rennet in the cheese.

5. Can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free pesto and substitute cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.

6. What kind of pasta works best?

Long pasta like spaghetti or linguine allows the creamy sauce to coat evenly.

7. Can I serve this cold?

Yes, it makes a great pasta salad when served chilled.

8. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce and thicken.

9. Can I add nuts for crunch?

Yes, toasted pine nuts or walnuts add great texture.

10. Does feta melt completely in pasta?

Feta softens and becomes creamy but does not fully melt like mozzarella.

Conclusion

Creamy Basil Pesto Spaghetti with Feta is a quick yet elegant pasta dish that brings together the vibrant flavor of pesto and the creamy tang of feta. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for when you want a satisfying meal that tastes fresh and indulgent at the same time.

Print