Pasta w/ Lemon, Tarragon, Asparagus & Peas
Pasta w/ Lemon, Tarragon, Asparagus & Peas
If you could describe a pasta dish that is rich, creamy and at the same time sunny and bright this would be it! The asparagus and peas go so well the flavors of lemon & tarragon and the addition of plant based yogurt adds a delicate creaminess to the sauce. This pasta is perfect anytime of year but even more so in the warmer months of Spring & Summer.
Serves 4-6
Ingredients
14oz (388g) Long Pasta ( I used Linguine)
1 bunch Asparagus, hard bottom stem removed and cut into into 1 - 1 1/2” pieces
1 cup (130g) frozen Peas, thawed
1 cup (90g) finely grated Vegan Parmesan Cheese
2 cloves of Garlic, crushed
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) Plant Milk
1 1/2 cup (355ml) reserved Pasta Water
5.5 oz (150g) Plain Unsweetened Plant Based Yogurt
2 1/2 Tbsp (37.5g) Vegan Butter
2 1/2 Tbsp (37.5g) Flour
2 Tbsp (4-5g) fresh Tarragon, chopped (plus more torn leaves for garnish)
2 Tbsp (12g) Lemon Zest (about 1 lemon)
1 Tbsp (15ml) Lemon Juice
Salt & Pepper to taste
Directions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook your asparagus for 2-3 minutes, remove and set aside.
2. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions. Reserve 1 - 1 1/2 cups of the pasta water before draining.
3. While the pasta is cooking, make your sauce by melting the vegan butter in a large pot on medium low heat. Once the butter is melted, add in the crushed garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
4. Add in the flour and mix until well combined. Let the mixture or roux cook for a minute or two before you begin adding in the plant milk.
5. Add the plant milk a little at a time as you stir to incorporate. Once everything is combined add in the grated parmesan and mix until completely melted.
6. Add in 1 cup of the pasta water and let the sauce cook for a minute to thicken. Add in the yogurt, chopped tarragon, lemon juice and 1/2 of the lemon zest, mix well.Season with salt & pepper and mix again.
7. Toss in the cooked pasta, asparagus and peas and gently mix everything together. Taste for seasoning and adjust with additional salt & pepper if needed.
8. Garnish with remaining tarragon and lemon zest before serving.
