Vegan Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Vegan Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its simplicity and bold flavors. In this vegan version, spaghetti is cooked until al dente and then tossed with garlic-infused olive oil, red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, and the bright zest and juice of a lemon. This dish is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
INGREDIENTS
- 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 4-5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Vegan parmesan cheese (optional), for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the garlic turns golden brown. Be careful not to burn it.
3. Combine with Spaghetti:
- Add the cooked and drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and red pepper flakes. Toss to combine and coat the spaghetti with the flavorful oil.
4. Add Lemon Zest and Juice:
- Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet. Toss again to evenly distribute the lemony flavor.
5. Season and Garnish:
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the red pepper flakes if you want more heat.
Garnish the Vegan Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, vegan parmesan cheese.
TIPS
Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
For extra flavor, you can add a handful of sautéed cherry tomatoes or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the dish.
Experiment with different types of pasta for variety, such as linguine or fettuccine.
Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Protein: 7-8g
- Fat: 17-20g
- Fiber: 3-4g
- Sugar: 1-2g
