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Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe [easy, no cream, no butter]

This Lemon Pasta is budget-friendly, creamy, tangy and ready in just 10 minutes. So easy to make with simple ingredients, you wouldn’t believe it is vegan and you can do this with so little effort. Kids-friendly, family-approved a keeper with fresh flavor that the whole family will enjoy.

Lemon Pasta rolled on a golden fork, lifted out of the pan.

People ask often how do you add flavor to pasta? The answer is the ingredients and of course sauce!

Don’t be shy of garlic, herbs, and spices. This way, you will never be disappointed by easy pasta recipes like this Cacio e Pepe, the Cajun PastaMacaroni Salad, or my Tetrazzini

If you are looking for more pasta recipes, keep inspired and use the search bar.

Ingredients for the Lemon Pasta on a wooden board.

Why you should try this easy pasta recipe 

Making this Lemon Pasta from scratch is even easier than you might think, because you get:

  • step-by-step pictures: so you see and know each step beforehand and get the best result you deserve.
  • impressive results thanks to the combination of using lemon juice and zest
  • a meal on the table in 10 minutes using leftover, precooked pasta

My budget-friendly creamy Lemon Pasta recipe is perfect for meal prep and large batches. Learn to make a creamy lemon sauce without butter or heavy cream.

Frying the garlic in olive oil in a small pan.

What you need for this creamy Lemon Pasta

  • cooked pasta (leftover is amazing) but I recommend using long pasta
  • fresh lemon juice
  • lemon zest

 

  • coconut milk
  • fresh garlic
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • vegan parmesan cheese

Adding freshly pressed lemon juice and soy cream.

How to make Lemon Pasta

If you do not have any leftover pasta, you can cook pasta in a large pot according to the package directions.

Firstly, heat olive oil in a large skillet or casserole. Add sliced garlic and fry for a minute on medium-heat heat. Then, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice and zest. Repeat this step with the coconut milk, and then bring the skillet back to medium heat for another minute.

Give the vegan parmesan to the sauce and stir well. Season the sauce with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Finally, add the cooked pasta to the lemon sauce and cook for four more minutes. Once done, serve the Lemon Pasta on plates or in bowls, and sprinkle with dome fresh herbs, if you like.

Lemon sauce is mixed with vegan parmesan.

Storage instructions and tips

If you have leftovers of the creamy Lemon Pasta, you can store them in an airtight container.

I recommend you let the pasta cool down to room temperature first. If you do this, the pasta will last for around 7 days.

If you cook pasta for this simple lemon pasta recipe, reserve some of the starchy pasta water. You can use it to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick,

Precooked pasta is given into the ready lemon sauce in the pan.

Can I freeze Lemon Pasta?

Yes, you can freeze this, but keep in mind to use leftover pasta that is just cooked al dente, which means the texture should be spot on, not overcooked.

When you do so, you can go straight ahead and freeze this lemon pasta after letting it cool down to room temperature in individual freezer bags or bigger airtight containers. It will last like that for around 4 months.

Mixing the pasta with the sauce and topping with basil.

I recommend thawing completely before reheating in a casserole on the stove. Do this on low heat and carefully increase to medium heat.

Alternatively, you can use the oven. To do this, preheat to 170°F and warm lemon pasta slowly in an oven-safe dish.

Last but not least add pasta to a microwave dish and make it warm in your microwave.

View on the Lemon Pasta with mixed in basil.

Variations for this Lemon Pasta recipe

Add herbs like, basil, parsley or chives.

Use extra vegetables: like peas, spinach, broccoli, and asparagus.

Collage of two pictures of Lemon Pasta with recipe title text.

If you give this Lemon Pasta a try, tag me on Instagram or Facebook.

Show off your remakes, Florian.

View on the Lemon Pasta with mixed in basil.

Lemon Pasta

Yield: 2
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

This Lemon Pasta is budget friendly, creamy, tangy and ready in just 10 minutes. So easy to make with simple ingredients, you wouldn't believe it is vegan and you can do this with so little effort. Kids friendly, family approved a keeper with fresh flavor that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups pasta, cooked (use gf, if required)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 lemons, juiced
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 cup coconut milk full fat
  • 3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
  • Vegan Parmesan (my recipe)
  • salt, pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a skillet or casserole, heat olive oil. Add sliced garlic and fry for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and zest. Repeat with the coconut milk, then bring to a cook again at medium heat for another minute.
  2. Give the vegan parmesan to the sauce and stir well. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Finally add cooked pasta to the lemon sauce and cook for 4 minutes more. Serve on plates or in bowls.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 2 cups
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 540Total Fat: 15.9gSaturated Fat: 1.3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9.8gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 197mgCarbohydrates: 63gFiber: 5.3gSugar: 1.2gProtein: 13g

Meggan

Wednesday 25th of October 2023

I'm on a really strict diet for health reasons, no gluten no diary etc. And this has become on of my go to recipes. It really helps me to feel like I'm not being denied good food. I've used both canned and carton coconut milk and I think canned is the way to go but both work. I also didn't make the vegan parm (I will some day) but found one at whole foods. Again, I cannot stress enough how good this is.

Florian

Wednesday 25th of October 2023

Thanks for your feedback and making it, Meggan! Don't forget leaving a star rating with your review. Thanks a lot.

Elysse

Sunday 9th of July 2023

Amazing!!!!! So easy and quick to make. Truly the creamiest most fragrant lemon pasta ever. One of those I can’t believe it’s vegan moments! Thank you!!!!

Florian

Sunday 9th of July 2023

Thanks for your great feedback, Elysse! Don't forget leaving a star rating with your review. The is so helpful for other reader and me. Thanks a lot.

Micky

Saturday 24th of June 2023

Just tried this, with normal Parmesan as we're not vegan. It was absolutely delicious! Nice combination of tastes, hadn't expected that outcome :) Thank you!

Florian

Saturday 24th of June 2023

Thanks for your feedback, Micky! Don't forget leaving a star rating with your review. This is so helpful for other readers and me. Thanks a lot.

Katherynne

Wednesday 8th of March 2023

This was so good! I did add a small shallot and some frozen mixed vegetables and it was delicious. I've got some ramen noodles I bet this sauce would be tasty with. I'll definitely make it again!

Florian

Wednesday 8th of March 2023

Thanks for your wonderful feedback and making it, Katherynne!

Audi

Wednesday 30th of November 2022

I have a severe coconut allergy, any recommendations on substitutes?

Florian

Wednesday 30th of November 2022

Hi Audi! Dairy free heavy cream.

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