Dinner

Creamy Vegan Lemon Pepper Pasta Recipe (Gluten-Free!) Recipe

Name: Creamy Vegan Lemon Pepper Pasta Recipe (Gluten-Free!) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 servings gluten-free pasta of choice (such as gluten-free bowtie pasta); 1/2 large head cauliflower (about 2 cups florets, packed); 3-4 cloves garlic; 3/4 cup unsweetened soymilk (or other unsweetened, unflavored non-dairy milk); 2 tbsp unsweetened creamy cashew butter or tahini; 2 tbsp nutritional yeast; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: vegan parmesan for topping; Optional: lemon zest for garnish; Optional: splash of olive oil or vegetable broth for sautéing garlic

Byluca Carter October 18, 2025October 18, 2025

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Introduction

This creamy vegan lemon pepper pasta is a bright and comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Made with a smooth cauliflower-based sauce and a zesty lemon kick, it’s both gluten-free and full of flavor. You’ll love how easy it comes together with simple ingredients.

A white speckled bowl filled with a single layer of bowtie pasta coated in a creamy, light yellow sauce, sprinkled with coarse black pepper. Two thin lemon slices rest on the side of the pasta inside the bowl. A white spoon is placed on the left edge of the bowl, which sits atop a soft pink and white striped cloth on a white marbled surface. Nearby, a small white bowl contains more cracked black pepper, and a single lemon wedge is placed on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 servings pasta of choice (gluten-free bowties recommended)
1/2 large head of cauliflower (about 2 cups of florets, packed)

3-4 cloves garlic
3/4 cup unsweetened soymilk (or other unsweetened, unflavored non-dairy milk)

2 tbsp unsweetened creamy cashew butter or tahini
2 tbsp nutritional yeast

Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: vegan parmesan

Optional: lemon zest for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: Steam the cauliflower florets until tender, about 5-8 minutes. While steaming, smash and sauté the garlic cloves in a splash of olive oil or vegetable broth until fragrant. For an oil-free option, roast the garlic instead.

Step 3: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the steamed cauliflower, sautéed garlic, soymilk, cashew butter or tahini, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice. Blend until completely smooth. Add more soymilk or reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Step 4: Season the sauce generously with salt and plenty of pepper to highlight the lemon pepper flavor. Pour the sauce into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring and simmering for a few minutes.
Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and gently stir to coat. If needed, add pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen the sauce. Serve with vegan parmesan and lemon zest if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a nuttier flavor, try using tahini instead of cashew butter in the sauce.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Use gluten-free pasta to keep the dish allergy-friendly without compromising taste.

Roasting the cauliflower before steaming can deepen the flavor if you have extra time.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of non-dairy milk or water to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

A white speckled bowl filled with pale yellow bow tie pasta coated in a creamy sauce, sprinkled with crushed black pepper on top. Two bright yellow lemon slices rest on the side inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a soft pink and white striped cloth, placed on a white marbled surface. Next to the bowl, a small white dish contains ground black pepper, and a single lemon wedge lies nearby. A white spoon is partially visible inside the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of non-dairy milk?

Yes, other unsweetened and unflavored milks like almond, oat, or coconut milk can be used, though they may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Is this pasta sauce really creamy without dairy?

Absolutely! The combination of cauliflower, cashew butter or tahini, and nutritional yeast creates a wonderfully smooth and creamy texture that’s a perfect dairy-free alternative.