To make Vegan Lemon Asparagus Pasta, you can choose from several recipes that highlight the bright flavors of lemon and the freshness of asparagus. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe based on the search results.

Ingredients

• Pasta:
• 10 ounces (about 285g) of your choice (spaghetti, gemelli, or any preferred pasta)
• Asparagus:
• 1 bunch of fresh asparagus (about 12 ounces), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• Aromatics:
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• Liquid Base:
• 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup canned coconut milk (for creaminess)
• Flavorings:
• Juice and zest of 1-2 lemons
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Oil:
• Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Cook Asparagus: Add the asparagus pieces to the pot and sauté for about 5-8 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. If you prefer a more roasted flavor, you can also roast the asparagus separately in the oven at 400°F (204°C) with olive oil, salt, and pepper for about 20 minutes.
3. Add Pasta and Liquid: Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk, then add the uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook according to pasta package instructions, stirring occasionally.
4. Finish with Lemon: Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the lemon juice and zest. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
5. Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates. Optionally, garnish with additional lemon zest or fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

Tips

• Creaminess: For a creamier sauce, you can blend a portion of the cooked pasta with some of the liquid before mixing it back into the pot.
• Nutritional Yeast: Adding nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Protein Boost: Consider adding chickpeas or white beans for extra protein.

This vegan lemon asparagus pasta is light yet satisfying, making it perfect for a spring meal or any occasion! Enjoy your vibrant dish!

Other Vegetables to Add

You can enhance your vegan lemon asparagus pasta by adding a variety of vegetables, such as:

• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved and roasted for sweetness.
• Spinach or Kale: Stirred in at the end for added greens.
• Peas: Fresh or frozen, they add a pop of color and sweetness.
• Zucchini: Sliced or spiralized for extra texture.
• Bell Peppers: Sautéed for additional flavor and crunch.

Substituting Almond Milk

Yes, you can substitute almond milk with other non-dairy milks such as:

• Soy Milk: Creamy and versatile, it works well in sauces.
• Oat Milk: Offers a slightly sweet flavor and creamy texture.
• Coconut Milk: Adds richness and a hint of tropical flavor, especially if using canned coconut milk.

Thickening the Sauce Without More Flour

To thicken the sauce without adding more flour, consider these methods:

• Use Less Liquid: Reduce the amount of vegetable broth or non-dairy milk when preparing the sauce.
• Add Nutritional Yeast: It adds thickness and a cheesy flavor.
• Blend in Cooked Cauliflower: Puree some steamed cauliflower into the sauce for added creaminess without flour.
• Pasta Water: Reserve some pasta cooking water; it contains starch that can help thicken the sauce when added gradually.

Best Type of Pasta

For this recipe, you can use any pasta type you prefer. However, popular choices include:

• Fettuccine or Linguine: These long noodles hold the sauce well.
• Gemelli or Bow Tie (Farfalle): Their shape helps capture bits of asparagus and sauce.

Using Frozen Asparagus

You can use frozen asparagus instead of fresh. Just keep in mind:

• Thawing: Thaw the asparagus before cooking to ensure even heating. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture.
• Cooking Time: Frozen asparagus may cook faster than fresh, so keep an eye on it to avoid mushiness.

These tips will help you customize your vegan lemon asparagus pasta to suit your taste preferences! Enjoy your cooking!