Vegan Lemon Pasta
This vibrant lemon pasta combines simple ingredients with the bright tang of fresh lemon zest and juice. The dish is cooked with tender pasta and coated in a fragrant, citrus-infused olive oil sauce, resulting in a light, zesty final appearance with a glossy, inviting finish. Perfect for a quick, refreshing meal that feels like a burst of sunshine on your plate.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Frying Pan
- Microplane or Fine Grater
- Juicer or reamer
- Tongs or large spoon
Ingredients
- 200 g spaghetti or linguine cook until just past al dente
- 1 large lemon for zest and juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 tbsp olive oil preferably extra virgin
- to taste salt for pasta water and seasoning
- to taste black pepper freshly cracked
- 1-2 tbsp nutritional yeast optional, for cheesy flavor
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until just past al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce later.
- While the pasta cooks, use a microplane to zest the lemon, avoiding the white pith. Then, juice the lemon using a reamer or juicer, aiming for about 2-3 tablespoons of fresh juice.
- In a frying pan over medium-low heat, pour in the olive oil and add the minced garlic. Sauté gently for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to brown the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Add the lemon zest to the pan and stir for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Then, pour in the lemon juice, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Let this mixture simmer gently for 1 minute to blend the flavors.
- Transfer the drained pasta into the pan with the lemon sauce. Toss everything together using tongs or a large spoon so the noodles are evenly coated and glossy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water and toss again.
- Season the pasta with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a cheesy depth. Toss everything once more to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Remove from heat and let rest for a minute to allow flavors to meld. Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon zest or herbs if you like, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil for shine.
Notes
Use fresh lemon for the zest and juice to maximize brightness. Adjust seasoning gradually, tasting as you go. For extra flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.