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Vegan Lemon Pasta with Asparagus & Peas

Name: Vegan Lemon Pasta with Asparagus & Peas
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 3
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta; 1 bunch 1 asparagus, trimmed & cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 cup fresh or frozen peas; 3 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium lemon; 3 tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk milk; 1/4 cup nutritional yeast; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; Salt & black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped; Vegan Parmesan

Kristine Roberson March 24, 2025

Servings: 3 Total Time: 20 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Welcome Spring with This Bright & Zesty Vegan Lemon Pasta with Asparagus & Peas

Welcome Spring with This Bright & Zesty Vegan Lemon Pasta with Asparagus & Peas

Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to embrace the season’s freshest flavors! This Vegan Lemon Pasta with Asparagus & Peas is the perfect dish to celebrate the bright and vibrant tastes of spring. It’s light yet satisfying, packed with seasonal produce, and comes together in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this pasta will become a go-to favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh & Light – Perfect for spring, this dish highlights the bright flavors of lemon and fresh greens.
Easy & Quick – Ready in just 20 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.
Plant-Based & Nutritious – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-powered goodness.
Customizable – Easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences.

The Health Benefits of Asparagus & Peas

Asparagus and peas are two springtime superfoods that bring both flavor and nutrition to this dish. Asparagus is rich in fiber, folate, and antioxidants, making it excellent for digestion, heart health, and reducing inflammation. It’s also a natural diuretic, helping to flush out excess salt and toxins. Peas, on the other hand, are a great plant-based protein source, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, which support immune health, skin vitality, and bone strength. Together, they make this pasta not only delicious but also incredibly nourishing!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta:

8 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne)
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed & cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup fresh or frozen peas

For the Sauce:

3 tbsp olive oil (or vegan butter for richness)
3 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (soy or oat work best)
1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt & black pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Vegan Parmesan (optional, for topping)

How to Make It

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Blanch the Veggies

While the pasta cooks, add asparagus and peas to the boiling water for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the drained pasta, asparagus, and peas to the skillet. Pour in the lemon juice, plant milk, and nutritional yeast, stirring to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is silky.

Step 5: Season & Serve

Remove from heat and toss with fresh herbs. Top with vegan Parmesan if using. Serve immediately and enjoy the taste of spring! 🌿🍋

Tips for the Best Vegan Lemon Pasta

Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor – bottled just won’t compare!
Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a delicious crunch.
Swap plant milk for coconut cream if you want a richer sauce.
Sprinkle on extra nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for a cheesier bite.

Pair It With…

🍷 A glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
🥗 A simple side salad, dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
🍞 Warm crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Lemon Pasta with Asparagus & Peas is the ultimate springtime meal. It’s fresh, light, and bursting with citrusy brightness, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or cooking for a special dinner, this dish brings a touch of sunshine to your table. Give it a try and let me know how you liked it!

Have you made this dish? Share your experience in the comments below! 😊🌿