5 from 147 votes
20-Minute Creamy Tahini Pasta
This 20-Minute Creamy Tahini Pasta blends tahini, cherry tomatoes, and smoky spices into a rich, comforting sauce that coats tender pasta. The sauce’s creaminess balanced with subtle heat and fresh herbs makes it satisfying. It’s a great option for when you want a distinctive pasta dish that doesn't rely on traditional cream or cheese. Using reserved pasta water creates a smooth texture and helps the sauce cling well to the noodles, enhancing every bite.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Total Time
17 mins
Servings:
4
to 6
Calories:
817 kcal
Course:
Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta
- 2 cups water reserved pasta water
- 1 cup tahini
- lemon juice of one
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon minced onion dry or onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, crushed
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup basil roughly chopped, or parsley
- lemon for garnish, zest
- crushed red pepper for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot with a lid, cook pasta according to package instructions and save 2 cups of pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, in a large pan over medium heat, add some oil, garlic powder, dry minced onion, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for one minute.
- Then add tomatoes, mix well, and cook for 2 minutes. Add the tahini, pasta water and mix well.
- Add in the pasta and mix well.
- Add the chopped herbs and mix.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest, more herbs, and crushed red peppers.
- Add more hot water if needed.
- Serve hot.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Add vegetables or protein such as chickpeas or fried tofu cubes to enrich the meal.
- Consume immediately; the sauce thickens when left and can be thinned with added water when reheating.
- Use a high-quality tahini brand to avoid bitterness and enhance flavor.
- Cook the pasta al dente to maintain a pleasing texture after mixing with the sauce.
- Reserve and use the pasta water to achieve a creamy, clingy sauce texture.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before combining pasta and sauce.
Nutrition Information
Calories
817kcal
(41%)
Carbohydrates
107g
(36%)
Protein
27g
(54%)
Fat
34g
(52%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
15g
(88%)
Monounsaturated Fat
12g
(60%)
Sodium
64mg
(3%)
Potassium
877mg
(19%)
Fiber
8g
(32%)
Sugar
7g
(14%)
Vitamin A
1075IU
(22%)
Vitamin C
45mg
(50%)
Calcium
144mg
(14%)
Iron
5mg
(28%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 to 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories 817
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 817kcal | 41% |
| Carbohydrates | 107g | 36% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 34g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 15g | 88% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Sodium | 64mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 877mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 8g | 32% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 1075IU | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 45mg | 50% |
| Calcium | 144mg | 14% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.