Dairy-Free Creamy Lemon Pasta
Indulge in the bright, zesty flavors of this Dairy-Free Creamy Lemon Pasta—a deliciously creamy yet light dish that's perfect for those seeking a plant-based twist on classic comfort food. Featuring al dente spaghetti enveloped in a luscious sauce made from unsweetened coconut milk, garlic, lemon zest, and nutritional yeast, this recipe delivers rich creaminess without a hint of dairy. The secret lies in a cornstarch slurry that thickens the sauce to velvety perfection, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy pasta recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or inviting guests to experience dairy-free decadence. Serve it piping hot with a sprinkle of lemon zest and black pepper for an elegant finish that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti or other pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
While the spaghetti is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the coconut milk to the skillet, along with the lemon zest, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy lemon sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if necessary.
Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta before serving.
Serve immediately with additional lemon zest and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
963 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.9 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.1 g | 45% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1253 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 130.7 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.2 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.4 g | ||
| Protein | 30.1 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 534 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 5.7 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 641 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
