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Casarecce Pasta With Butter, Garlic and Lemon
5 from 27 votes

Casarecce Pasta With Butter, Garlic and Lemon

This simple pasta dish features casarecce tossed with a sauce made from vegan butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes, wilted kale, and fresh lemon zest and juice. The pasta is lightly coated with a flavorful buttery, garlicky sauce brightened by lemon and balanced with mild heat and tender greens, offering a light, fresh main or side option.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 420 kcal
Course: Side Dish, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American Fussion

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces casarecce pasta or fusilli, penne, or rotini. Gluten-free if needed.
  • 6 tablespoons vegan butter
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed
  • 1 large bunch kale thick stems removed, chopped
  • 1 large lemon
  • salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook the pasta in generously salted water according to package directions. Drain in a colander and set aside.
  2. Return the pot to the stove over low to medium-low heat. Add the butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and garlic. Stirring frequently, cook the garlic for 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce heat if necessary so it doesn't brown.
  3. Add red pepper flakes and kale, and increase heat to medium. Cook until the kale is dark green and wilted, about 2 minutes.
  4. Zest half of the lemon into the pot and add the pasta. Stir to combine. Slice and juice the lemon. Tasting as you go, add as much lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil as you like. Serve hot. Garnish with vegan parmesan, if desired.

Notes

  • For more protein and texture, add cooked cannellini beans, chickpeas, or plant-based sausage.
  • Replace kale with spinach, peas, zucchini, tomatoes, broccoli, or cauliflower to vary the vegetable component.
  • Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; avoid freezing as texture may suffer.

Nutrition Information

Calories 420kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 56g (19%) Protein 12g (24%) Fat 15g (23%) Fiber 5g (20%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 420

% Daily Value*

Calories 420kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 56g 19%
Protein 12g 24%
Fat 15g 23%
Fiber 5g 20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.