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20-Minute Creamy Tahini Pasta

This tahini pasta is rich and creamy yet bright and zingy (thanks, lemon!) and super comforting – ready in under 20 minutes, almost entirely from pantry staples, with plenty of customizability!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
17 mins
Servings: 4 to 6
Calories: 817 kcal
Course: Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of pasta
  • 2 cups of reserved pasta water
  • 1 cup of tahini
  • Juice of one lemon
  • 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon of dry minced onion or onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup of basil or parsley, roughly chopped
  • lemon zest for garnish
  • Crushed red peppers for garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large pot with a lid, cook pasta according to package instructions and save 2 cups of pasta water.
  2. 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.
  3. Then add tomatoes, mix well, and cook for 2 minutes. Add the tahini, pasta water and mix well.
  4. Add in the pasta and mix well.
  5. Add the chopped herbs and mix.
  6. Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest, more herbs, and crushed red peppers.
  7. Add more hot water if needed.
  8. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Add the veggies of your choice. It would also be great with chickpeas or fried tofu cubes for more protein. 
  • Add the veggies of your choice. It would also be great with chickpeas or fried tofu cubes for more protein. 
  • This is best eaten immediately. The sauce will thicken with leftovers, but you can add a splash of water to thin it out.
  • This is best eaten immediately. The sauce will thicken with leftovers, but you can add a splash of water to thin it out.
  • Use high-quality tahini: Unfortunately, tahini isn’t a product that remains similar from brand to brand, and can be overly bitter and unpleasant. We love using Soom tahini.
  • Use high-quality tahini: Unfortunately, tahini isn’t a product that remains similar from brand to brand, and can be overly bitter and unpleasant. We love using Soom tahini.
  • Cook pasta al dente: It will cook further from residual heat and in the sauce.
  • Cook pasta al dente: It will cook further from residual heat and in the sauce.
  • Season to taste: Taste the sauce before adding the pasta, and adjust the spices to taste.  
  • Season to taste: Taste the sauce before adding the pasta, and adjust the spices to taste.  
  • Save the pasta water: This makes up the base of the tahini pasta sauce, and the starchy liquid helps the sauce cling to the pasta. If you accidentally discard it, use vegetable broth or hot water (season accordingly).
  • Save the pasta water: This makes up the base of the tahini pasta sauce, and the starchy liquid helps the sauce cling to the pasta. If you accidentally discard it, use vegetable broth or hot water (season accordingly).

Nutrition Information

Calories 817kcal (41%) Carbohydrates 107g (36%) Protein 27g (54%) Fat 34g (52%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat 15g Monounsaturated Fat 12g Sodium 64mg (3%) Potassium 877mg (25%) Fiber 8g (32%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 1075IU (22%) Vitamin C 45mg (50%) Calcium 144mg (14%) Iron 5mg (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4to 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.