Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe [easy, no cream, no butter] (2024)

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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.

Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe [easy, no cream, no butter] (1)

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 thisCacio e Pepe, theCajun Pasta,Macaroni Salad, or my Tetrazzini.

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

Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe [easy, no cream, no butter] (2)

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.

Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe [easy, no cream, no butter] (3)

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

Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe [easy, no cream, no butter] (4)

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.

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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,

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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.

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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.

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Variations for this Lemon Pasta recipe

Add herbs like, basil, parsley or chives.

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

Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe [easy, no cream, no butter] (9)

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

Show off your remakes, Florian.

Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe [easy, no cream, no butter] (10)

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: 2Serving 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

Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe [easy, no cream, no butter] (2024)

FAQs

How can I thicken pasta without cream? ›

one heaped teaspoon of cornflour in a tumbler half full of cold water. Stir till the cornflour is fully dissolved. Add to your sauce at a gentle simmer. You can thicken your pasta sauce with patience.

What to put on pasta when you have no sauce? ›

Simply melt butter and sprinkle in some garlic powder. Toss your spaghetti or favorite type of pasta in this delightful mixture to create a filling and appetizing meal.

Will lemon juice make cream curdle? ›

Acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, tomatoes, or even wine can cause your milk to curdle. Prevent this reaction by reducing your acids first before adding dairy. Remember this tip when making creamy adobo, tomato soup, or a citrusy cream-based pasta.

Can you use butter instead of cream for pasta? ›

Thanks to all of its wonderful qualities, butter is the perfect addition to any pasta sauce, especially as a replacement for cream. The reason is that the fat in butter helps to calm the acidity of tomatoes, onions, and any other ingredients you've added.

Can I use milk instead of cream in pasta? ›

Whole milk is an excellent substitute for heavy cream. It adds richness to your pasta sauce without the excess fat. Simply simmer your favourite pasta sauce with whole milk until it thickens to your desired consistency. The result is a velvety and indulgent sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta.

How to thicken sauce without butter? ›

Combine 2 tablespoons flour with every 1/4 cup cold water and whisk until smooth. Add the mixture to your sauce over medium heat, and continue to stir and cook until you've reached your desired consistency. Test with a spoon.

Can you mix lemon with milk? ›

Mixing milk with sour and citrus fruits or ingredients is a strict “No'' this is because the presence of vitamin C and citric acid in sour foods like orange and lemon when combined with milk can coagulate and lead to acid reflux, heartburn, upset stomach and allergies, chest congestion and cold cough to name a few.

Why do you add lemon juice to pasta? ›

Lemon Juice is the Trick to a Creamier Cream Sauce | Christopher Kimball's Milk Street. Parmesan does the heavy-lifting in this 25 minute pasta dish.

Can you thicken milk with lemon juice? ›

Stir 1 scant cup of milk or cream and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar together in a measuring cup. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes. Let the mixture stand at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. When it is ready, the milk will be slightly thickened and you will see small curdled bits.

What can I add to pasta if I don't have butter? ›

You can easily substitute olive oil for butter in most pasta recipes, especially ones that have lots of fresh vegetables. Choose recipes that are lightly dressed and avoid pastas with rich cream sauces (which require butter).

What can be used instead of cream in pasta? ›

The top heavy cream alternatives you can use in your pasta dish are butter with milk, Greek yogurt, milk with cornstarch, half and half, cream cheese, and soy milk. Make sure to read on for how to use each of these heavy cream replacements in your recipe.

How to make cooking cream without butter? ›

Yes, it is possible to make a cream sauce without butter or flour. There are alternative ingredients such as coconut milk, heavy cream, or nut-based milks that can be used to create a creamy texture. Thickeners such as cornstarch, arrowroot, or potato starch can also be used in place of flour to create a thicker sauce.

How do you thicken pasta sauce without adding anything? ›

Cook It Down

Here's the easiest, though not the quickest, way to thicken your sauce: Just let evaporation do its thing. Adjust the heat so it keeps the sauce at a low simmer, then leave it uncovered to cook, stirring it every 5 minutes or so.

How can I thicken something without cream? ›

Use two tablespoons flour mixed with ¼ cup cold water for each cup of medium-thick sauce. Thoroughly mix in the water to prevent lumps. After stirring the combined flour and water into the sauce, cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Heat one minute more to cook the flour thoroughly.

Can I use milk to thicken pasta? ›

Using dairy is an effective way to thicken and bind, without much hassle.

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