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Creamy Cheddar Lemon Basil Pasta

Silky cheddar pasta made with a Trader Joe’s cheese spread shortcut, brightened with lemon and fresh basil.
Print Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 pound pasta any shape: penne, shells, or rigatoni
  • 1 container Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread
  • 1/4–1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Flaky sea salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • A handful of fresh basil chopped

Optional

  • Grilled chicken sliced or shredded
  • Or sautéed shrimp

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Before draining, reserve about a cup of pasta water.
  • In a large skillet over medium-low heat, warm the cheddar cheese spread, stirring until it loosens and melts into a creamy base.
  • Add about 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and stir until smooth and glossy. Keep adding small amounts until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
  • Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until every piece is coated.
  • Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and season with flaky sea salt and black pepper.
  • Turn off the heat and fold in the chopped basil.
  • Optional: add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to make it a full family meal.