Creamy Tahini Pasta is a rich, nutty, and satisfying dish that brings together the bold flavors of Middle Eastern tahini with the comfort of Italian-style pasta. Made with a simple sauce of tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and pasta water, it creates a silky, dairy-free coating that clings perfectly to noodles.
This versatile recipe can be served warm or cold and easily customized with roasted vegetables, herbs, or protein.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, Creamy Tahini Pasta is both wholesome and indulgent—a delicious fusion of flavors that’s quick to prepare and naturally vegan-friendly.
If you’re looking for a comforting, plant-based pasta dish that’s rich, nutty, and satisfying, this Creamy Tahini Pasta delivers in every bite. It’s quick to make, vegan-friendly, and packed with flavor — perfect for weeknights or lazy weekend meals.
Creamy Tahini Pasta
Description
Creamy Tahini Pasta is a rich, plant-based dish that blends the nutty depth of tahini with garlic, lemon juice, and pasta water to create a silky, savory sauce.
It’s a comforting yet wholesome meal, perfect for quick weeknight dinners. The sauce clings beautifully to noodles, offering a luxurious texture without the need for cream or cheese.
Often finished with fresh herbs, chili flakes, or roasted vegetables, this dairy-free pasta is both satisfying and nourishing.
Ideal for vegan and vegetarian diets, it’s a simple yet flavorful fusion of Mediterranean and modern comfort food.
Ingredients
For the creamy tahini sauce:
Optional toppings:
Instructions
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Cook the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water — this starchy water will help emulsify and thin out the sauce later.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
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Make the tahini sauce
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
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1/3 cup tahini
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1 finely grated garlic clove
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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Cumin and red pepper flakes if using
At first, the mixture may seize up and look clumpy. This is normal! Begin adding warm pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, and whisk continuously. The sauce will loosen up and become creamy and smooth. You’re aiming for a consistency similar to a thick Alfredo sauce — it should coat the back of a spoon.
Taste and adjust the seasoning: add more lemon for brightness, more salt for flavor, or a touch of maple syrup or honey if your tahini is particularly bitter.
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Combine pasta and sauce
Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large sauté pan over low heat. Pour the tahini sauce over the pasta and toss to coat, adding additional pasta water as needed until the sauce clings smoothly to each strand or piece.
Heat gently just until warmed through — avoid high heat, as it can cause the sauce to thicken too much or become pasty.
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Garnish and serve
Plate the creamy tahini pasta and top it with your favorite garnishes. We recommend:
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A generous sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness
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Toasted sesame seeds for crunch
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A dusting of nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for cheesiness
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Optional protein: roasted chickpeas, sautéed mushrooms, or even tempeh
Serve immediately, ideally with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad.
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 3
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 600kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g47%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Sodium 400mg17%
- Total Carbohydrate 65g22%
- Dietary Fiber 8g32%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 18g36%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Creamy Tahini Pasta is a plant-based dream—silky, rich, and packed with nutty flavor from tahini (sesame seed paste).
It’s a satisfying alternative to traditional cream sauces, especially for vegans or those seeking dairy-free options. The best part? It’s incredibly simple and endlessly customizable. Here's how to make your tahini pasta shine.
What Makes It Special?
Tahini, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, brings earthy richness and creaminess without needing dairy. When whisked with lemon juice, garlic, warm water, and olive oil, it transforms into a luscious sauce.
The key is balancing tahini’s bitterness with acidity and aromatics.
Top Tips for the Best Creamy Tahini Pasta
- Use Good Tahini
Choose high-quality, runny tahini with a smooth consistency (like Soom, Seed + Mill, or Al Wadi). Thick or gritty tahini may not emulsify well into a creamy sauce. - Don’t Skip the Acid
Lemon juice is critical—it brightens the tahini and balances its earthy flavor. A splash of vinegar can work in a pinch, but fresh lemon juice is best. - Warm Water for Emulsification
When you mix tahini with lemon juice and water, it might seize up at first and look broken. Keep whisking and slowly add warm water to loosen it. You'll get a smooth, pourable sauce. - Season Well
Salt is essential to enhance flavor. Add crushed garlic, black pepper, and even a pinch of red chili flakes or smoked paprika for depth. - Use Starchy Pasta Water
Always reserve some of the water you boiled your pasta in. It helps thin out and bind the tahini sauce to your noodles better than plain water, giving it that glossy, clingy texture. - Add Texture and Contrast
Top the finished pasta with crunch—think toasted sesame seeds, crispy chickpeas, crushed nuts (like pistachios), or panko breadcrumbs. A sprinkle of za’atar or sumac adds earthy brightness.
Serving Tricks
- Choose the Right Pasta Shape
Short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or penne holds onto the creamy tahini sauce in their ridges and curves. Long noodles like linguine or spaghetti also work, especially if you like a smoother coating. - Mix in Vegetables or Greens
Sautéed kale, spinach, roasted broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms all pair beautifully with tahini. Roasted sweet potato or butternut squash adds sweetness that balances tahini’s nuttiness. - Make It a Protein-Packed Meal
Add chickpeas, white beans, grilled tofu, or tempeh for a more filling, protein-rich version. Shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled shrimp work well for non-vegan additions. - Serve Warm or Cold
Creamy tahini pasta is versatile—it can be served hot like a traditional pasta dish, or cold as a pasta salad (perfect for picnics or meal prep). - Drizzle with Extras Before Serving
A final swirl of olive oil, an extra squeeze of lemon, chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, dill), or a dollop of harissa or chili crisp can elevate your dish with color and complexity.
Serving Size
This recipe generally serves 4 people as a main course, or 6–8 as a side dish. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge—just stir in a little warm water before reheating or serving cold.
Variations and Add-ins
This tahini pasta is incredibly versatile. Here are some fun additions or twists you can try:
- Add greens: Toss in baby spinach or kale in the final minute of cooking to wilt them into the sauce.
- Make it spicy: Amp up the red pepper flakes, or stir in a bit of harissa or chili oil.
- Make it umami-rich: Add 1 tsp white miso paste or soy sauce to the sauce for an extra savory layer.
- Gluten-free: Use chickpea pasta or your favorite gluten-free variety.
Final Tips
- Storage: This pasta can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or plant-based milk to loosen the sauce.
- Make it ahead: The tahini sauce can be made in advance and kept refrigerated for up to a week — great for quick meals or lunch prep.
- Quality matters: Use high-quality tahini — one that's smooth and pourable with a mild, nutty flavor (brands like Soom, Seed + Mill, or Al Wadi are excellent).
Conclusion
Creamy Tahini Pasta is the perfect combination of simple ingredients and bold flavor. With just one bowl and a pot, you can whip up a satisfying, nourishing dish that’s comforting and completely customizable. Whether you're vegan, dairy-free, or just curious about tahini, this recipe is a must-try for your weekly rotation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is creamy tahini pasta made of?
Creamy tahini pasta typically includes cooked pasta (like spaghetti or penne) tossed with a sauce made from tahini (sesame paste), garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and pasta water to create a smooth, velvety texture.
Optional ingredients like nutritional yeast, chili flakes, maple syrup, or herbs can enhance flavor. It's naturally dairy-free and can be made vegan.
What does tahini taste like in pasta?
Tahini has a rich, nutty, slightly bitter flavor, similar to peanut butter but more earthy. In pasta, it creates a creamy, savory base.
When balanced with acidity (like lemon) and seasoning (like garlic and salt), it becomes a deeply flavorful and satisfying sauce — similar in creaminess to Alfredo but without any dairy.
Can I make it gluten-free or vegan?
Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta (like rice, chickpea, or quinoa pasta) to make it gluten-free. The base recipe is already vegan, as tahini is plant-based and no animal products are required. You can also add roasted veggies, chickpeas, or tofu for added protein and texture.
How long does it take to prepare?
Creamy tahini pasta is very quick to prepare — usually ready in under 20 minutes. While the pasta cooks, you can whisk the tahini sauce together. Once drained, toss the pasta with the sauce and a splash of pasta water until silky. Great for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
