Vegan Creamy Lemon Pasta with Peas Recipe
This Vegan Creamy Lemon Pasta with Peas is a light yet indulgent dish featuring al dente pasta tossed in a luscious plant-based cream sauce infused with fresh lemon zest and juice. Sweet peas add a vibrant pop of color and flavor, while plant-based butter and vegan parmesan provide a rich, savory finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting lunch, this dairy-free and vegan-friendly recipe is bursting with bright, fresh flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz (250 g) pasta
Sauce & Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons (40 g) plant-based butter
- 1 medium red onion, chopped
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 ½ cups (200 g) frozen peas
- 1 cup (200 ml) plant-based heavy cream alternative
- ⅓ cup plant-based parmesan
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 to 2 cups of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the onion: While the pasta cooks, melt the plant-based butter in a large, deep pan over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add lemon and chili: Stir in the lemon zest and red chili flakes, cooking for about a minute to release their aromas. Then add the lemon juice and continue to cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
- Cook the peas: Add the frozen peas to the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re warmed through and tender but still vibrant green.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the plant-based heavy cream alternative and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy lemon sauce.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the plant-based parmesan, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta you like, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
- Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to suit your spice preference or omit for a milder taste.
- If plant-based cream is unavailable, a blend of soaked cashews and water can be used as a creamy substitute.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency and helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
- For added texture, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil when serving.
Keywords: vegan lemon pasta, creamy vegan pasta, lemon pea pasta, plant-based pasta recipe, dairy-free pasta, easy vegan dinner
