Creamy Lemon Vegan Artichoke Pasta
This Mediterranean-style vegan pasta is silky, bright, and comforting without cream or cheese. Tender artichokes are folded into a creamy lemon sauce made from cashews and olive oil, finished with garlic and fresh herbs. It’s plant-based, gut-friendly, and perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
🕒 Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
🥗 Ingredients
Pasta
200 g pasta (penne, linguine, or rigatoni)
Salt for boiling water
Creamy Lemon Sauce
½ cup raw cashews (soaked 2–4 hours or quick-soaked in hot water 15 min)
¾ cup water or unsweetened plant milk
Juice of 1 large lemon
Zest of ½ lemon
1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove
Salt & black pepper to taste
Vegetables
1 cup artichoke hearts (jarred or canned, drained & sliced)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, sliced
¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Garnish
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Optional: nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook Pasta
Boil pasta in well-salted water until al dente
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain
2. Make Creamy Lemon Sauce
Blend soaked cashews, water/plant milk, lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, salt & pepper
Blend until completely smooth and creamy
3. Sauté Artichokes
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat
Add sliced garlic and chili flakes, sauté 30 seconds
Add artichokes and cook 2–3 minutes until lightly golden
4. Combine
Add pasta to the pan
Pour in creamy lemon sauce
Add a splash of pasta water to loosen
Toss gently over low heat until silky
5. Serve
Taste and adjust salt or lemon
Garnish with herbs and optional vegan parmesan
💡 Tips
Use brined Mediterranean artichokes for best flavor
Add spinach or peas for extra nutrients
For extra richness, add ½ tsp Dijon mustard to the sauce
Keep heat low once sauce is added to prevent thickening too fast
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQs
Is this really creamy without dairy?
Yes! Cashews create a naturally rich, smooth texture.
Is it weight-loss friendly?
Yes — plant-based fats, fiber-rich artichokes, and light lemon flavor keep it balanced.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely — use gluten-free pasta.
Can I meal prep it?
Yes — add a little water when reheating to restore creaminess.
🧮 Nutritional Information
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 11 g
Carbs: 55 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 7 g