Creamy Lemon Chickpea Pasta

This pasta dish is decadently creamy thanks to the cashews and pine nuts, surprisingly fresh due to the large amount of lemon, and beautifully rounded out with the sweetness of caramelized onions. #savory #pasta #creamy #soulfood #glutenfree #vegan

Sometimes nothing will hit the spot except a bowl of creamy, hearty pasta. While I typically prefer to focus on fresher, lighter meals, there is always a special place in my heart for soul food such as this. That being said, healthy modifications have been made. I opted for legume pasta as it is high in protein and fiber, used very little oil, and snuck some veggies in by topping the pasta with roasted asparagus.

Serves 4-5

Ingredients:

Pasta

1 package Banza Pasta

1/2 teaspoon salt

Creamy Lemon Sauce

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 sweet white onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, smashed

1 ½ cups cashews

¼ cup pine nuts

1 tablespoon white miso paste

2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard

1 cup unsweetened plain non-dairy milk

½ cup water

1 ¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

juice from half a lemon

Asparagus

1 bunch petite asparagus (with tough bottom portion snapped off)

1 teaspoon olive oil

½ teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and add chopped onions and smashed garlic cloves. Cover the pan and cook until the onions start to turn brown/caramelize, stirring and adding water as needed to prevent burning.

2. While onions are cooking, prepare pasta according to the package instructions. Do not over cook. Once done, drain the noodles and return to the pot.

3. Turn on the oven to broil.

4. Place the caramelized onion mixture and rest of the sauce ingredients in a high-powered blender and blend on high until completely smooth.

5. Pour the sauce into the pot with the pasta and heat on low, stirring frequently.

6. Place asparagus on a baking sheet and toss with oil and salt. Spread into a single layer and place in the oven on broil for about 10 minutes, or until desired doneness.

7. Once pasta and sauce are heated through, dish in to bowls and top with the roasted asparagus. Garnish with lemon zest, red pepper flakes, or lemon pepper if desired.

8. Enjoy! Because? Bricause. Food!