Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original Almondmilk or Almond Breeze Extra Creamy Almondmilk
• 1 large bunch medium size asparagus
• 1 (15-oz.) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
• 1 pound dry pasta (any shape)
• 2 lemons, zested and juiced
• Shaved Parmesan cheese to taste (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450F (230C) and line a baking sheet with foil.

Step 2: Trim about 2 inches from the tough ends of the asparagus spears and set them aside. Cut the remaining asparagus into 1-inch pieces. Spread the asparagus pieces and garbanzo beans on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Drizzle the asparagus and garbanzo beans with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss well to coat evenly.

Step 4: Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the garbanzo beans are slightly toasted.

Step 5: While the vegetables are roasting, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the reserved asparagus ends and cook until very tender. Remove the asparagus ends with a slotted spoon and place them in a food processor or blender.

Step 6: Return the water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender yet firm to the bite, about 9 to 12 minutes (depending on the type of pasta). Drain the pasta well and return it to the pot.

Step 7: While the pasta is cooking, combine the Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almondmilk, the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor with the boiled asparagus ends. Blend until the sauce is smooth.

Step 8: Toss the sauce with the hot cooked pasta. Stir in the roasted asparagus and garbanzo beans. Optionally, top with shaved Parmesan cheese.

Note: You can use gluten-free pasta if you prefer. For a vegan version, substitute 2 to 3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts	Per Serving
Calories	377
Total Fat	7g (9%)
Saturated Fat	1g (4%)
Cholesterol	0mg (0%)
Sodium	581mg (25%)
Total Carbohydrate	70g (25%)
Dietary Fiber	9g (31%)
Total Sugars	10g
Protein	13g (26%)
Vitamin C	63mg (70%)
Calcium	198mg (15%)
Iron	3mg (19%)
Potassium	478mg (10%)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Recipe by: Almond Breeze

Published on: April 12, 2023

History and Origins of Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

The origins of creamy lemon garlic pasta are deeply rooted in Italian cuisine, which has a long tradition of incorporating fresh, simple ingredients to create rich and flavorful dishes. While variations of lemon and garlic pasta can be found across Italy, this particular recipe uses almond milk as a dairy substitute, making it a modern twist on the classic. The combination of citrus and garlic is a hallmark of Southern Italian cooking, where lemons are abundant, especially in coastal areas like Sicily. The use of lemon zest and juice gives the dish a refreshing brightness, complementing the creamy texture of the almond milk sauce.

Regional Variations and Features

In Italy, pasta dishes with garlic and lemon are common, but each region adds its unique twist based on local ingredients. In the south, particularly in areas like Calabria and Sicily, you might find similar dishes enriched with anchovies, capers, or olives to give the pasta an added depth of flavor. The addition of roasted vegetables, like asparagus and garbanzo beans, in this recipe is a nod to the Italian practice of incorporating seasonal produce into meals. This variation is popular in modern Italian cooking, where fresh vegetables are often paired with pasta to create a balanced and nourishing dish.

How This Dish Differs from Similar Recipes

While there are many pasta dishes that use garlic and lemon as key ingredients, such as "Spaghetti al Limone" or "Aglio e Olio," the creamy lemon garlic pasta stands out for its unique use of almond milk. Traditional Italian pasta dishes often rely on heavy cream or butter to create a creamy texture, but this recipe offers a lighter alternative, making it both vegan and dairy-free. Additionally, the roasted asparagus and garbanzo beans in this dish bring a hearty and nutritious component, which makes it a more filling and well-rounded meal compared to simpler garlic and lemon pastas.

Where Is Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Typically Served?

This creamy lemon garlic pasta is an ideal dish for casual weeknight dinners, as it comes together quickly and requires only a few fresh ingredients. Its also versatile enough to be served at a dinner party or family gathering, offering both comfort and sophistication. In Italy, pasta dishes like this are often enjoyed as a main course ("primo piatto") during lunch or dinner, usually followed by a meat or vegetable-based second course. Due to its light yet satisfying nature, this dish can also be served as a side dish in larger feasts, particularly when paired with roasted meats or grilled fish.

Interesting Facts About Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

1. The use of almond milk in this pasta recipe is a healthier alternative to dairy, offering a creamy texture without the saturated fat and cholesterol typically found in heavy cream or butter.

2. Asparagus, a key ingredient in this dish, is a spring vegetable that has been cultivated for over 2,000 years, dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece. It is known for its high nutritional value, rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, and is a good source of fiber and antioxidants.

3. Lemons, a vital component in this recipe, are one of the most popular fruits in Italy and are used in countless dishes, from pasta and seafood to desserts and drinks. Sicily is particularly famous for its vibrant, tangy lemons, which are prized for their flavor and aroma.

FAQ about Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe

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