Quick + Easy Vegan Lemon Pasta

This vegan lemon pasta is incredibly easy to make, and you only need 5 ingredients (plus salt and pepper) to get the most delicious pasta. It features tender pasta tossed in a tasty lemon sauce with hints of garlic and garnished with fresh parsley. What’s best is that you can have it ready in under 25 minutes!

There is nothing tastier than pasta, and I personally feel that I enjoy pasta dishes even more when they’re quick and easy to make! And that’s exactly what this recipe is. And the lemon flavor really shines through in every bite.

This dish is essentially a vegan, lightened-up version of the classic Pasta al Limone, but without using dairy! It’s healthier but still has the perfect blend of lemon and garlic for a delicious, bright sauce that’s packed with flavor. It’s the perfect dish for casual weeknight meals as well as special gatherings!

Read on to learn exactly how to make this delicious vegan lemon pasta recipe today!

Jump to:

• What is Vegan Lemon Pasta?
• Why This Is The Best Vegan Lemon Pasta Recipe 
• What You Need to Make Vegan Lemon Pasta At Home
• How to Make Vegan Lemon Pasta Step by Step
• Tips For Making the Best Vegan Lemon Pasta 
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Variation Ideas for Vegan Lemon Pasta
• Frequently Asked Questions 
• How to Store Leftover Vegan Lemon Pasta
• Try These Easy Pasta Recipes
• Recipe

What is Vegan Lemon Pasta?

Vegan lemon pasta is a delicious pasta dish that combines the simplicity of pasta with the zesty flavor of fresh lemons. It’s a dairy-free pasta option that will still give you a creamy, tangy sauce that’s tossed with the cooked pasta, resulting in a mouth-watering dish that's brimming with flavors.

This vegan lemon pasta is a perfect dish to whip up at home. It is easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner. 

The tanginess of the lemon, the richness of the vegan butter, and the subtle heat from the garlic combine to make a pasta dish that's incredibly flavorful and satisfying. The taste is so good, you might just forget it’s dairy-free!

Why This Is The Best Vegan Lemon Pasta Recipe 

• Easy to make: This vegan lemon pasta recipe is straightforward and simple, requiring only a few key ingredients such as spaghetti, lemons, garlic, and vegan butter. The instructions are easy to follow; you can even whip it up on a weeknight.
• Quick: With a total time of just about half an hour, this pasta dish doesn't require hours in the kitchen. You'll have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time.
• Family-Favorite: The tangy flavor of fresh lemons combined with garlic and vegan butter creates a sauce that's a hit with both kids and adults. This pasta recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
• Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the amount of lemon zest and juice according to your taste, add red pepper flakes for a kick, or even add a splash of plant-based milk or cream for a creamier sauce. The choice of pasta is also flexible, making it easy to tailor to your preferences.
• Super Delicious: The combination of lemon, garlic, and vegan butter creates a beautifully balanced, tangy, and savory flavor. The addition of fresh parsley elevates the taste, making this vegan lemon pasta a truly delicious meal.

What You Need to Make Vegan Lemon Pasta At Home

All you need are some incredibly simple, pantry-staple ingredients to make this delicious vegan lemon pasta recipe at home.

Here's an overview of the specific ingredients for this recipe. For the exact ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.

• Pasta: The star of this dish. We're using spaghetti, but feel free to use any shape you prefer. Remember to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook a little when combined with the sauce.
• Lemons: Provides the bright, tangy flavor in this pasta dish. Adjust the amount of fresh lemon juice and zest according to your taste. They also enhance the presentation when used as garnish.
• Garlic: Adds a bold, aromatic flavor to the pasta. It is minced so it can be evenly distributed throughout the dish.
• Vegan Butter: This is the fat in our vegan pasta recipe. It gives the dish a rich, buttery flavor while keeping it dairy-free.
• Parsley: Used for garnish, it adds a fresh, earthy flavor and makes the dish visually appealing.
• Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings enhance the other flavors in the dish. Adjust according to your liking.

How to Make Vegan Lemon Pasta Step by Step

Making this incredible vegan lemon pasta recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by preparing your pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.

2. Sauté Garlic: Melt vegan butter in a medium skillet and over medium heat. Add the minced garlic. Sauté this for about a minute until it becomes fragrant.

3. Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Next, add the lemon zest and juice to the skillet. Stir these ingredients well to combine them, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Toss Cooked Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it to coat it evenly with the lemon garlic sauce.

5. Allow Flavors to Meld Together: Let the pasta cook for an additional two to three minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

6. Stir in Chopped Fresh Parsley: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.

7. Serve: Serve the lemon pasta immediately, garnishing it with additional lemon zest, lemon slices, or additional parsley if desired. 

Tips For Making the Best Vegan Lemon Pasta 

• Choose Your Preferred Pasta: For this pasta recipe, I have suggested spaghetti, but feel free to use a pasta shape that you enjoy. Different shapes will give different textures to the dish.
• Adjust Lemon to Taste: The amount of lemon juice and zest can be adjusted according to your taste preferences. Start with the suggested amount in the recipe and add more if desired for that extra tang.
• Don't Overcook the Pasta: Make sure your pasta remains al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce. This maintains the texture and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.
• Add Creaminess If Desired: If you prefer a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of plant-based milk or cream to the skillet along with the lemon juice and zest. This will give a richer and creamier flavor to your vegan lemon pasta.
• Incorporate Additional Flavors: For added flavor, try incorporating other ingredients, such as red pepper flakes for some heat or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This can elevate the taste of your pasta dish even more.
• Enhance Presentation with Garnish: Garnish the lemon pasta with extra lemon zest, lemon slices, or additional parsley or even fresh basil. Not only does this enhance the presentation, but it also adds an extra burst of flavor.
• Enjoy Immediately: For the best taste, serve your vegan lemon pasta immediately after preparation. The flavors meld together best when the dish is still hot.

Serving Suggestions

• For a heartier meal, serve this vegan lemon pasta alongside a slice of gluten-free bread. The crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover garlic and lemon sauce on your plate.
• Looking for a lighter option? Pair this pasta with a fresh green salad. The crisp vegetables will provide a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.
• This pasta dish is also great served with a side of steamed broccoli. The bright green color of the broccoli adds a visual appeal, and its earthy flavor balances out the tanginess of the lemon.
• For a sweet ending to your meal, serve this pasta with a refreshing citrus posset. The citrusy dessert will continue the lemon theme of the meal and cleanse your palate.
• This vegan lemon pasta is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Pair it with a glass of your favorite white wine and some vegan parmesan cheese for a simple yet elegant meal.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Vegan Lemon Pasta

This delicious vegan lemon pasta recipe is so flavorful and easy to make, you'll want to try out some of these delicious variations! Here are some great ideas:

• Try it with Chickpea Pasta: For a protein-packed twist, try using chickpea pasta instead of spaghetti. This variation not only adds an extra dose of protein to your meal but also offers a unique flavor that compliments the tangy lemon sauce perfectly.
• Go Gluten-Free: If you are following a gluten-free diet, use gluten-free pasta in this recipe. It is an easy swap that won't compromise the flavor or texture of this delightful pasta dish.
• Add Some Greens: For a nutrient boost, toss in some vegetables like broccoli or peas into the pasta. They will add color, texture, and a dose of healthy vitamins and minerals to your dish.
• Make it Creamy: If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of full-fat coconut milk or vegan cream to the pan when adding the lemon juice and zest. This will give your pasta a velvety, rich finish that's absolutely irresistible.
• Boost the Flavor with Vegan Parmesan: Sprinkle some vegan parmesan cheese over the pasta before serving. It adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the dish even more satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How to Store Leftover Vegan Lemon Pasta

Storing your vegan lemon pasta dish is easy. Here’s how you can store leftovers:

• Refrigerator: Transfer your leftover vegan lemon pasta to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Before storing, let the pasta cool to room temperature, but don't leave it out for more than two hours to guarantee food safety.
• Reheat: When you're ready to enjoy your pasta again, reheat it in a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently until it is heated through, which should take about five minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but doing so in a pan helps to revive the flavor and texture of the pasta better.
• Freezer: Unfortunately, this creamy lemon pasta recipe doesn't freeze well. But, with its quick prep time and total time of cooking, you can whip up a fresh pot of this delicious pasta dish whenever the craving hits!

Try These Easy Pasta Recipes

If you make this recipe, please leave me a comment below and rate it. I always appreciate the feedback. Also, you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Recipe