A surprisingly flavorful and healthy vegan pasta dish where garlic and onion are gently simmered in olive oil to create a deeply aromatic base, then tossed with al dente pasta, bright lemon zest and juice, and fresh herbs for a simple yet sophisticated meal.
*Image is for illustration purposes and may differ from the actual recipe (AI generated).
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6-8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
- 1 medium fresh lemon (for zest and 2-3 tablespoons juice)
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs, finely chopped (e.g., parsley, basil, or a mix)
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 1.Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water.
- 2.While the pasta cooks, in a large skillet or pan, combine the olive oil, thinly sliced garlic, and sliced or diced onion. Heat over very low heat. Allow the garlic and onion to gently simmer and infuse the oil for 8-10 minutes, or until deeply aromatic and softened but not browned.
- 3.Remove the skillet from heat. Add the lemon zest to the infused oil mixture.
- 4.Drain the cooked pasta. Add the hot pasta directly to the skillet with the infused oil. Add the fresh lemon juice and about half of the reserved pasta water.
- 5.Toss vigorously to coat the pasta, allowing the starches from the pasta and water to emulsify with the oil, creating a light, flavorful sauce. Add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- 6.Stir in the fresh chopped herbs, sea salt, and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Why this recipe
This healthy, balanced recipe leverages complex carbohydrates from pasta for sustained energy and healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil. Slow-infusing garlic and onion maximizes their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while fresh lemon and herbs provide essential vitamins and a vibrant, nutritious finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
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