Prepare to transform your ordinary pasta night into a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy! This Vegan Pasta al Limone is not just a meal; it's a vibrant, creamy, and utterly irresistible experience that proves plant-based cooking can be both luxurious and incredibly simple. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and 25 minutes of your time, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g pasta (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like sea water to properly season the pasta.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes for most pasta varieties. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, zest the entire lemon and then juice it, keeping both zest and juice separate.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Drain the cooked pasta and immediately transfer it to the skillet with the garlic. Toss the pasta to coat with the olive oil.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir continuously to create a light, creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add more reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh torn basil leaves. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Salt Your Pasta Water: The key to flavorful pasta is in the water. Make it as salty as the sea to ensure your pasta is seasoned from the inside out.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy liquid is your secret weapon for creating a silky, emulsified sauce.
- Garlic Technique: Sauté garlic gently to release its flavor without burning. Burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the delicate lemon notes.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Bottled lemon juice simply can't compare.
- Adjust Consistency: Don't be afraid to add more reserved pasta water if your sauce seems too thick. The goal is a light, glossy coating on the pasta.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking. The sauce will start to separate if left sitting too long.
- Optional Enhancements: For extra richness, you could add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or some vegan parmesan for a cheesy undertone.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 70g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
