Are you ready to elevate your pasta game with a dish that's not only delicious but also incredibly healthy? Dive into the world of plant-based cuisine with our Vegan Healthy Creamy Pasta with Lemon! This delightful Italian-inspired recipe will tantalize your taste buds while keeping your health goals in check. With a creamy cashew sauce that's bursting with zesty lemon flavor, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to share with friends. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a comforting bowl of goodness that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 cup cashews, soaked
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by soaking the cashews in water for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This will help to soften them, making it easier to blend into a creamy sauce.
- Once the cashews are soaked, drain and rinse them under cold water. Set them aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, lemon juice, garlic cloves, and vegetable broth. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained, return it to the pot over low heat. Pour the creamy cashew sauce over the pasta and stir to combine, ensuring that all the pasta is coated in the sauce.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a splash more lemon juice for extra brightness.
- To serve, divide the creamy pasta among plates or bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Enjoy your Vegan Healthy Creamy Pasta with Lemon warm, savoring the rich, tangy flavors!
Tips
- Soak Cashews in Advance: To achieve that ultra-creamy texture, soak your cashews for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. This will make blending them into a smooth sauce a breeze!
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: Feel free to use any pasta of your choice, whether it's whole grain, gluten-free, or traditional. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save some of the pasta cooking water! This starchy water is perfect for adjusting the consistency of your sauce without sacrificing flavor.
- Adjust the Sauce: If your sauce turns out too thick, simply add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Brighten it Up: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash more lemon juice right before serving. It enhances the dish's freshness!
- Garnish for Flavor and Color: Don’t skip the fresh parsley! It not only adds a vibrant pop of color but also enhances the dish's overall flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This pasta is best enjoyed fresh and warm, so serve it right after combining the sauce and pasta for the ultimate creamy experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 359kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
