Ingredients
12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or cashew)
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
2 tbsp lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Vegan parmesan (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Cook Pasta:
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Sauté Garlic:
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not brown).
Make Sauce:
Add plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
Thicken (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine:
Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky texture.
Finish & Serve:
Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with vegan parmesan if desired.
Notes
Cooking Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor—bottled juice won’t have the same brightness.
- Don’t overheat the sauce after adding lemon juice to avoid bitterness.
- Reserve pasta water—it helps create a smooth, restaurant-style sauce.
- Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy—don’t skip it!
Variations
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, asparagus, or broccoli for extra nutrients.
- Protein Boost: Add chickpeas, white beans, or grilled tofu.
- Creamier Version: Use full-fat canned coconut milk or cashew cream instead of plant milk.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Herb Twist: Swap parsley for basil or add fresh thyme for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g