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Creamy Lemon Pasta without the Cream

Creamy Lemon Pasta without the Cream

  • Author: Charlotte
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This creamy lemon pasta is bright, zesty, and totally dairy-free. With a luscious sauce made from lemon juice, garlic, nutritional yeast, and olive oil, it’s the perfect weeknight comfort dish that feels indulgent without the heaviness.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. In a separate saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until golden.
  2. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth and simmer gently.
  3. Cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
  4. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and slowly stir in pasta water until the sauce clings beautifully to the noodles.
  5. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the flavor. Season with salt and black pepper.
  6. Drizzle a little extra olive oil, garnish with herbs, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Don’t skip the reserved pasta water—it helps create the perfect creamy texture.
  • Add chickpeas or steamed veggies to boost nutrition.
  • Store sauce separately for best reheating results.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: lemon pasta, creamy vegan pasta, dairy-free pasta, lemon garlic spaghetti, plant-based dinner