Creamy Tahini Pasta With Lemon And Garlic

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy tahini pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. The tahini creates a luxurious, nutty sauce that’s both creamy and tangy, while the garlic adds depth and warmth. Lemon juice adds a zesty freshness, cutting through the richness of the tahini. This dish is not only vegan but also naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free pasta. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, yet it’s bursting with flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 200g pasta (use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option)

• 3 tablespoons tahini

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• ¼ cup pasta cooking water (reserved)

• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

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

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve about ¼ cup of pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Make the creamy tahini sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, lemon zest, and reserved pasta cooking water until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

4. Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic. Pour the tahini sauce over the pasta and toss to coat evenly. If using, stir in the nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-3

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables: You can add sautéed spinach, roasted tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for a more colorful and nutritious dish.

• Protein boost: Add roasted chickpeas, grilled tofu, or tempeh for extra protein.

• Spicy tahini pasta: Stir in some sriracha, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist on the creamy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or plant-based milk to help loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

Is tahini paste the same as peanut butter?

Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds, while peanut butter is made from ground peanuts. They have a similar creamy texture, but tahini has a more neutral, slightly nutty flavor, which makes it a great base for savory dishes like this pasta.

Can I use a different nut butter instead of tahini?

Yes, you can use almond butter or cashew butter as an alternative to tahini. However, keep in mind that these nut butters may have a different flavor profile, which will affect the overall taste of the dish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free pasta, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes, this pasta can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just be sure to reserve some of the pasta water to help loosen the sauce when reheating.

Can I use store-bought lemon juice instead of fresh?

While fresh lemon juice will give the best flavor, store-bought lemon juice can be used as a substitute in a pinch.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, stir in red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha when making the sauce. You can also top the pasta with fresh chili slices for an extra kick.

Can I add cheese to this recipe?

If you’re not vegan, you can add grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. However, the tahini already adds creaminess and depth, so it’s delicious on its own.

How do I get the sauce to be smooth?

The key to a smooth sauce is to gradually add the pasta water to the tahini mixture, whisking continuously. The reserved pasta water helps loosen the tahini, creating a creamy texture.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Tahini is a sesame-based paste, so if you’re allergic to sesame, you could substitute with sunflower seed butter for a similar creamy texture.

Can I serve this dish cold?

While this creamy tahini pasta is best served warm, it can be eaten cold as a pasta salad. Simply refrigerate it after making and serve chilled.

Conclusion

This Creamy Tahini Pasta with Lemon and Garlic is a perfect go-to meal for anyone craving a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish without the dairy. It’s quick to prepare, satisfying, and can be easily customized with your favorite veggies or protein. The tahini sauce offers a unique twist on classic creamy pasta dishes, and the bright lemon and garlic elevate the flavors to make this dish both comforting and refreshing. Enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a meal prep for the week ahead!