Inspired by: @clarec36
Looking for a delicious and speedy plant-based meal that's packed with flavor? This Quick & Easy Vegan Walnut, Parsley, and Feta Angel Hair Pasta is your answer! It's a fantastic solution for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome, satisfying, and incredibly simple to prepare. If you've ever wondered "how to make a fast vegan pasta dish" or "what's a great dairy-free alternative to traditional pesto pasta," you've found your next favorite recipe. This recipe proves that delicate angel hair pasta can be cooked to perfection and hold up beautifully in a rich, herby sauce, without ever becoming mushy.
Why You'll Love This Vegan Pasta Dish
This recipe is designed for anyone seeking a flavorful, fuss-free meal. It's especially ideal for vegans, those with dairy allergies, or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based goodness into their diet. The combination of earthy walnuts, fresh parsley, and tangy vegan feta creates a vibrant "pesto-like" sauce that coats the delicate angel hair pasta perfectly. Plus, it comes together in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients
- 8 oz Angel Hair Pasta (or other thin pasta like spaghetti or vermicelli)
- 1 cup Walnuts, raw
- 1 large bunch fresh Parsley (about 2 cups packed), stems removed
- 2-3 cloves Garlic, peeled
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup Water (or reserved pasta water)
- 1/2 cup crumbled Vegan Feta Cheese (optional, for serving)
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Food processor or high-speed blender
- Colander
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the angel hair pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions, usually 2-4 minutes, until al dente. Angel hair cooks very quickly!
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. In a food processor, combine the walnuts, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse until the mixture forms a coarse paste. Add the water (or reserved pasta water) and process again until smooth, or to your desired consistency.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it immediately. For angel hair, it's recommended to rinse it briefly under cold water to prevent it from sticking together, as noted by clarec36's experience with Wegmans angel hair. This helps maintain the delicate noodle integrity.
- Transfer the drained pasta to a large bowl. Add the walnut-parsley sauce and toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with crumbled vegan feta cheese if desired. Enjoy your quick and satisfying plant-based meal!
Variations and Adaptations
- Gluten-Free: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free angel hair pasta.
- Herb Swap: Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil, dill, or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
- Nut-Free: For a nut-free version, replace walnuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Add Veggies: Stir in some sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted asparagus for extra nutrients and texture.
- Creamier Sauce: For a richer sauce, add a tablespoon or two of vegan cream cheese or unsweetened plant milk when blending the sauce.
Tips for Perfect Pasta
- Don't Overcook Angel Hair: This thin pasta cooks rapidly. Keep a close eye on it to ensure it remains al dente and doesn't become mushy.
- Rinse for Best Results: As highlighted by the original post, rinsing angel hair pasta with cold water immediately after draining is a smart hack to prevent sticking. This is particularly useful for lighter sauces where you don't need the starch to cling.
- Reserved Pasta Water: Save about half a cup of pasta water before draining. You can use this starchy water to thin out your sauce to your preferred consistency, helping it cling better to the noodles while adding flavor.
Delicious and easy: A close-up of the vegan pasta.
Fresh ingredients make for the best flavors.
Perfectly cooked angel hair pasta.
Related Articles
- Craving more easy pasta? Try this Vegan No-Tuna Pasta Salad: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe.
- For another seasonal pasta dish, explore our Vegan Pumpkin Tahini Pasta Recipe.
- Looking for a lighter option? Check out this Summer Pasta Salad.
- Learn how to get creative with pasta by checking out our guide on How to make your own vegan pasta at home.
Share Your Creations!
We hope you enjoy making this Quick & Easy Vegan Walnut, Parsley, and Feta Angel Hair Pasta! If you try this recipe, we'd love to see your delicious results. Share your photos and tag us on abillion! Your feedback and creations inspire our vibrant community.
