Garlic Scape Pasta (Vegan)

Fast, fresh, and packed with seasonal flavor, this Garlic Scape Pasta is a 15-minute vegan dish that’s as simple as it is delicious. Tender garlic scapes are sautéed with vegan butter and thyme, tossed with your favorite pasta, and finished with lemon, parsley, and vegan parmesan for a light yet satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is the kind of dish that tastes far more impressive than the effort it takes. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, garlic scape pasta is a seasonal staple with a bright, garlicky bite and a creamy, herby finish.

• Ready in 15 minutes

• Naturally vegan and dairy-free

• A unique way to enjoy seasonal garlic scapes

• Light and fresh with bold garlic-lemon flavor

• Great for quick weeknight meals

• Easily adaptable to gluten-free diets

• Minimal ingredients, maximum taste

• Beautiful balance of creamy, zesty, and savory

• Kid-friendly and great for leftovers

• One-pot friendly and easy cleanup

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 ounces pasta (regular or gluten-free)

• 2 bunches garlic scapes, chopped into 1-inch pieces (about 1½ to 2 cups)

• 3 tablespoons vegan butter (or substitute olive oil or broth)

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1½ teaspoons fresh thyme leaves)

• 2–3 tablespoons reserved pasta cooking water

• Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon

• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

• ⅓ to ½ cup vegan parmesan cheese, grated

• Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

• Salt, as needed

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.

2. Reserve pasta water: Before draining, remove 2–3 tablespoons of the starchy cooking water and set aside. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

3. Cook garlic scapes: While the pasta cooks, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add vegan butter and let it melt. Stir in the chopped garlic scapes and thyme. Cook for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the scapes are tender but still have a bite.

4. Combine ingredients: Add the cooked garlic scapes and any remaining butter to the drained pasta.

5. Finish the dish: Add the reserved pasta water, vegan parmesan, parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, if needed.

6. Serve: Serve warm with extra parsley and vegan parmesan on top, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 cups of pasta (about 4 servings).
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Creamy Upgrade: Stir in 2 tablespoons of plant-based cream or cashew cream for extra richness.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic scapes.

• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

• Extra Veggies: Add peas, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for color and texture.

• Pesto Finish: Add a spoonful of vegan pesto for a herb-forward twist.

• Lemon Basil Option: Substitute parsley with fresh basil and increase the lemon zest for a citrus-herb combo.

• Tofu Add-On: Serve with crispy tofu or tempeh for a protein boost.

• Breadcrumb Topping: Toast seasoned breadcrumbs in olive oil and sprinkle over the top for added crunch.

• Zoodle Swap: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter version.

• Nutty Accent: Top with chopped walnuts or pine nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.
Not freezer-friendly, as garlic scapes and lemon can lose their texture and brightness when thawed.

FAQs

What are garlic scapes?

Garlic scapes are the curly green shoots that grow from garlic bulbs. They have a mild garlic flavor and are available in late spring and early summer.

Can I substitute regular garlic?

Yes, if you can’t find garlic scapes, use 3–4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Simply use a gluten-free pasta to make it 100% gluten-free.

What’s the best type of pasta to use?

Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work great, but any pasta shape will do.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If making ahead, store the components separately and combine before serving.

What is vegan parmesan made of?

Most vegan parmesans are made with cashews or coconut oil, nutritional yeast, and seasonings. Store-bought versions like Violife work great.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, use ½ the amount of dried herbs when substituting for fresh.

How do I make it oil-free?

Use vegetable broth in place of vegan butter or oil, though the richness will be lighter.

What can I serve with this?

Serve with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or crispy tofu for a complete meal.

Can I freeze garlic scapes?

Yes, chop and freeze raw garlic scapes in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Garlic Scape Pasta is a simple, seasonal, and seriously flavorful dish that takes minimal effort to prepare. Whether you’re trying garlic scapes for the first time or you’ve been waiting all year for their return, this recipe makes the most of their unique flavor. Tossed with lemon, herbs, and vegan cheese, it’s a pasta night you’ll crave again and again.