Prepare yourself for a mouthwatering pasta experience that harmoniously blends the invigorating flavors of lemon and garlic with a delightful crunch of toasted almonds. Welcome to the world of Lemony Garlic Pasta (vegan pasta al limone), a culinary delight suitable for all pasta enthusiasts.
This tantalizing recipe combines the freshness of lemons, the aromatic essence of garlic, and the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds to create a symphony of flavors and textures that will captivate your palate. Whether you follow a vegan lifestyle or simply appreciate a delectable bowl of pasta, this dish promises to transport you to a realm of culinary satisfaction. Let me walk you through the ingredients, preparation instructions, and some additional tips to ensure your vegan lemon pasta turns out simply irresistible for dinner tonight.
What makes this recipe a true winner is its perfect blend of exceptional flavor and nutritional benefits. By using fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, this simple pasta dish bursts with a vibrant citrusy tang that invigorates your taste buds. The addition of pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
This easy recipe calls for simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, making it a convenient choice for busy days when you crave a satisfying meal without the hassle.
In addition to its delicious and healthy aspects, this vegan lemon pasta recipe is a breeze to make, elevating it to the top of your go-to meal list. The straightforward instructions ensure a stress-free cooking experience, whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen.
The use of fresh ingredients, like the vibrant lemon zest and juice, guarantees a vibrant flavor profile that will impress your friends and family. Within minutes, you'll have a comforting bowl of pasta that showcases the bright flavors of lemon and the subtle herbal notes of fresh parsley. With this easy and versatile recipe in your repertoire, you can effortlessly whip up a satisfying vegan meal that will leave everyone craving for more.
You will also love the Lemony and Zesty Asparagus Pasta, which is also made quickly in 15 minutes, another Springtime favorite.
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🧾 Ingredients
Your must-have healthy ingredients to make an unforgettable this lemon garlic pasta recipe:
- Lemon juice and zest: The addition of fresh lemon juice and zest brings a bright and tangy flavor to the dish, elevating its taste and providing a refreshing citrusy twist.
- Fresh Parsley: The vibrant and aromatic fresh parsley adds a pop of freshness to the pasta, complementing the lemony flavors while providing essential nutrients like vitamins A and C.
- Almonds: The toasted almonds bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, adding texture and depth to the dish, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Spaghetti: The classic choice of spaghetti pasta provides the perfect base for this dish, allowing the flavors to coat each strand evenly, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.
- Garlic: With its aromatic and savory profile, garlic adds a bold and robust flavor to the pasta, enhancing the overall taste and providing a delicious depth of flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil: The use of high-quality option not only contributes a rich and smooth mouthfeel but also brings its distinctive fruity notes, enhancing the overall taste and adding a hint of Mediterranean flair to the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (Pepperoncino): The addition of red pepper flakes adds a subtle hint of heat and spice, balancing the flavors and providing a gentle kick to the dish, without overpowering the other ingredients.
Optional: tequila to infuse the toasted almonds.
We also like topping it with this 5-minute Homemade Vegan Parmesan Cheese.
🔪 Instructions
- In a flat pan, toast the almonds with salt and oil over medium-low heat until golden. Add an optional splash of tequila, give it a quick stir, turn off the heat, and let it cool.
- Slice the garlic cloves into small flakes. Squeeze and zest lemons.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok-like pan over low heat and add the garlic flakes. Once they start to turn golden, turn off the heat.
- In a large pot, boil water with a bay leaf and salt. Cook the spaghetti for 2 minutes less than the package instructions since it will finish cooking in the pan and you want the final result to be al dente. Drain it.
- While the pasta cooks, chop the parsley, grate the lemon zest, and juice the lemons. Coarsely chop the cooled almonds and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Using kitchen tongs, combine the cooked pasta, chopped parsley, infused garlic olive oil, and the rest of the ingredients in the pan, just a handful at a time. Add the chili for an extra kick of flavor.
- Serve the pasta hot, topped with nutritional yeast. Enjoy!
🥢 How to serve
When it comes to serving this delightful lemony garlic pasta, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few creative serving options to elevate your dining experience:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some additional fresh parsley or basil on top of the pasta for an extra burst of freshness and a pop of color.
- Top with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Roast a handful of cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper until they burst with flavor. Serve them on top of the pasta to add a juicy and tangy element.
- Sprinkle with Vegan Parmesan: If you prefer a cheesy touch, sprinkle some vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast on top of the pasta for a savory umami flavor, while keeping the lemon noodles dairy-free.
- Serve alongside a Fresh Green Salad: Balance the richness of the pasta by serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The fresh and crunchy greens will provide a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it with green beans with flaked toasted almonds.
Feel free to get creative and customize your serving options to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this delightful lemony garlic pasta in a way that brings you the most satisfaction!
🍶 Substitutions
Here are some vegan substitutions for the ingredients in this recipe that will yield similar results:
- Replace the almonds with toasted cashews or toasted pine nuts for a creamy and nutty flavor.
- Use vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast instead of traditional parmesan cheese to add a cheesy and savory taste.
- Opt for gluten-free spaghetti or other gluten-free pasta options if you follow a gluten-free diet.
- Swap out the regular spaghetti for whole wheat or brown rice spaghetti to add more fiber and a nuttier flavor.
- Substitute olive oil with vegan butter for a rich and buttery taste in the dish.
- If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes, or use a pinch of cayenne pepper for a gentle kick.
Keep in mind that some substitutions may result in slight differences in texture or flavor. For example, cashews or pine nuts might provide a creamier texture compared to almonds.
📖 Variations
Here are a few variations of the lemony garlic pasta recipe to add some variety to your culinary adventures:
- Lemon Garlic Pasta with Roasted Vegetables: add veggies and enhance the nutritional profile of the dish by incorporating roasted vegetables. Toss some bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them until tender. Mix the roasted veggies into the pasta for a burst of flavors and added texture.
- Added protein: Boost the protein content by adding grilled tofu or crispy chickpeas to the dish. Marinate firm tofu in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and your choice of herbs, then grill until lightly charred. Slice the grilled tofu and serve it on top of the lemony garlic pasta for a satisfying and protein-packed meal.
- Lemon Garlic Pasta with Carrot Tops Chimichurri: Prepare a zesty Carrot Tops Chimichurri, then generously drizzle the Carrot Tops Chimichurri over the top of garlic lemon pasta. The herby and tangy flavors of the chimichurri perfectly complement the lemony garlic pasta, creating a delightful fusion of Argentinean and Mediterranean influences.
Remember, these variations allow you to get creative and tailor the dish to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients, herbs, or spices to customize the flavors and make the dish uniquely yours.
🥡 Storage
To store the lemony garlic pasta, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Ensure that the pasta is completely cooled before storing to maintain its freshness and texture.
Reheating: When it's time to reheat the pasta, there are a couple of options:
- Stovetop: Add a small amount of olive oil or vegetable broth to a pan over medium heat. Once heated, add the pasta and gently toss it until it is heated through. This method helps retain the flavors and texture of the pasta.
- Microwave: Transfer a portion of the pasta to a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe wrap. Reheat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly heated.
✅ Benefits of lemons
Adding as much lemon as possible to your diet is excellent. Lemons contain a high amount of vitamin C, soluble fiber, and plant compounds, giving them many health benefits.
6 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Lemons
Also, lemons may aid weight loss and reduce your risk of heart disease, anemia, kidney stones, digestive issues, and cancer.
🍷 Wine Pairing
- Italy - Sparkling - Prosecco
- New Zealand - Dry - Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough)
🍋 More recipes with lemons
If you are like us and can't have enough Lemon in your life, you may find these dishes interesting!
If you are into Easy Simple Pasta Recipes, you should definitely try our:
- This fantastic 3-ingredient Pasta Sauce
- The Famous Roman Traditional Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti with its Wine Pairing recommendation
Read on: how to make your own fresh vegan pasta dough, spaghetti noodles, and the best summer recipes.
⭐ If you try this recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!
Get ready for a vegan, spicy pasta treat with crunchy roasted almonds!
📋 Recipe
Easy Lemony Garlic Pasta (Vegan Pasta al Limone)
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ pound spaghetti gluten-free
- 10 ounces almonds Organic Raw
- ½ cup olive oil extra virgin, good quality
- 5 clove garlic
- 3 bunch parsley Italian, fresh and finely chopped
- 2 lemon both zest and juice
- 1 red chili small and chopped, pepperoncino
- 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt
- 4 tablespoons Nutritional Yeast or vegan Parmesan cheese
Optional:
- 2 tablespoon tequila
Directions
- In a flat pan, toast the almonds with salt and oil over medium-low heat until golden. Add an optional splash of tequila, give it a quick stir, turn off the heat, and let it cool.
- Slice the garlic cloves into small flakes. Squeeze and zest lemons.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok-like pan over low heat and add the garlic flakes. Once they start to turn golden, turn off the heat.
- In a large pot, boil water with a bay leaf and salt. Cook the spaghetti for 2 minutes less than the package instructions since it will finish cooking in the pan and you want the final result to be al dente. Drain it.
- While the pasta cooks, chop the parsley, grate the lemon zest, and juice the lemons. Coarsely chop the cooled almonds and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Using kitchen tongs, combine the cooked pasta, chopped parsley, infused garlic olive oil, and the rest of the ingredients in the pan, just a handful at a time. Add the chili for an extra kick of flavor.
- Serve the pasta hot, topped with nutritional yeast. Enjoy!
Notes
- Italy - Sparkling - Prosecco
- New Zealand - Dry - Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough)
Nutrition Facts
🌡️ Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Nutritional Disclaimer
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.
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Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.
Ashley Crane says
No fair, you had wine! I had a Bubly!
Gus says
hehe! Next time you can maybe follow one of the wine pairing recommendations 🙂
Ashley Crane says
Making it, and am excited, but how do you incorporate chili? 🙂
Gus says
Super! you just add it at the same time with the rest of the ingredients as you toss them.
Agus Camozzi says
Love this recipe!!! 🙂
Gus says
We are glad you like it! I understand you have already made it 3 times!!! Yey!
Anonymous says
I feel a certain irony jajaja
Gus says
oh! no, not at all. Sorry if it felt like that. I was truly suggesting trying out the wine pairings because they are really nice.