Description
This 6-Ingredient Creamy Tahini Pasta is a quick and delicious plant-based meal that combines the nutty creaminess of tahini with garlic, lemon zest, and nutritional yeast for a savory sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this comforting pasta dish is perfect for a simple, flavorful lunch or dinner for two.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 7 oz (200g) your favourite pasta
Sauce
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- ½-¾ tsp salt
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Basil leaves, to decorate
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then rinse and drain the pasta.
- Prepare Sauce: While the pasta cooks, whisk together tahini, crushed garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, nutritional yeast, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl until smooth.
- Heat Sauce: Warm a large pot or skillet over medium-low heat. Add the prepared sauce and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir constantly and cook for 1-2 minutes until the water has been absorbed into the sauce.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Add ¼ cup more of the reserved pasta water to the sauce and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce is smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more pasta water; otherwise, discard any remaining water.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the cooked pasta and basil leaves into the sauce until well combined. Divide the pasta between bowls and garnish with extra basil leaves and additional chili flakes if desired.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, but you can omit it for a milder taste.
- Use fresh lemon zest for bright citrus notes.
- This dish is best served immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
- You can substitute any type of pasta you prefer, including gluten-free options.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
