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