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    Tahini Pasta

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my affiliate disclosure.

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    Pinterest collage graphic for creamy tahini pasta recipe.

    Looking for a new and simple pasta dish to try? This easy tahini pasta recipe is ready in just 20 minutes! Creamy, tangy, nutty goodness – the flavorful tahini sauce on this pasta is SO GOOD!

    Tahini pasta in white bowl with fork.

    Hey there, pasta lovers! Have you ever tried tahini pasta? If not, give this easy-to-make pasta recipe a try! Tahini pasta is made by combining a delicious tahini sauce with your favorite type of pasta. Serve it as a main or a side dish!

    Some of the tahini pasta sauces that I have tried have tasted kind of bland and lacking in flavor. Not this one! This tahini sauce is so addictive – I could eat it by the spoonful! It’s creamy, tangy and gets a flavor boost from the addition of umami rich ingredients like nutritional yeast and tamari as well as spices.

    Closeup of creamy tahini pasta.

    Here’s Why You’ll Love It

    • Ready in just 20 minutes! Perfect for busy nights or a cozy night in.
    • Creamy, nutty, tangy and flavorful!
    • This tahini pasta sauce is naturally dairy-free, gluten-free (if using tamari) and vegan. A great alternative to cream based sauces.
    • Super customizable! Check out the “Customize It” section for loads of ideas.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Let’s get started! Here’s what you’ll need to make this tahini pasta recipe:

    Labelled photo of ingredients needed to make tahini pasta.
    • Pasta: Any size, shape or type of pasta that you like will work for this recipe.
    • Tahini: Choose a creamy, silky smooth tahini that isn’t too bitter. This is the base of the sauce so you want to use a tasty one.
    • Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast gives the sauce a savory boost of umami goodness. Make sure not to accidentally use a different type of yeast!
    • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon to brighten up the sauce.
    • Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds some tanginess to the sauce. You can also substitute for additional lemon juice if you prefer.
    • Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil for a neutral tasting alternative.
    • Tamari or Soy Sauce: Tamari (or soy sauce) adds some depth and a boost of umami flavor.
    • Maple Syrup: Just a touch to round out the flavors. This is optional.
    • Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: For flavor.
    • Water: To achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
    • Salt & Pepper: To taste.
    • Garnishes: I like to add chopped fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, sesame seeds or pine nuts and lemon zest.

    Detailed ingredient list and directions located in the recipe card below.

    How To Make Tahini Pasta

    This quick and simple pasta dish is ready in about the time it takes to cook your pasta. Let’s make some!

    STEP 1: Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Make sure to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.

    Drained cooked pasta in a stainless steel strainer.

    Tip: Don’t forget to scoop out about 1 cup of the pasta water right before draining it. Adding a bit of starchy pasta water when mixing the cooked pasta with the tahini sauce is the secret to a creamy luscious sauce.

    STEP 2: Make the tahini pasta sauce. While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the tahini sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth and creamy (or use a blender or food processor to combine).

    Tahini pasta sauce being mixed together in a white bowl.

    Tip: Make a double batch of the tahini sauce! It stores well in the fridge for a couple weeks and is also delicious drizzled over grilled or roasted veggies, salad, nourish bowls, rice bowls or used as a spread on sandwiches and wraps.

    STEP 3: Combine it all together. Toss the drained pasta together with the tahini sauce to evenly coat. Add some of the reserved pasta water until you have a creamy, silky sauce coating the pasta.

    Pasta being mixed with tahini sauce in a pot with a wooden spoon.

    STEP 4: Garnish and enjoy! Serve the pasta immediately (the sauce will thicken as it cools). Garnish and enjoy! Some garnish ideas include: chopped fresh parsley or basil, red pepper flakes or chili crisp, sesame seeds or pine nuts and lemon zest.

    Garnished bowl of tahini pasta with fork.

    Customize It

    There are so many ways to customize this tahini pasta recipe. Use it as the base and add to it as you like. Here are a few ideas:

    • Add veggies: Add some roasted, grilled or sauteed veggies like mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, asparagus, broccoli, green beans, red bell pepper, cauliflower, etc. Sun dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts would also be a delicious addition.
    • Add a protein: Serve the tahini pasta as a side dish with your favorite protein or add it directly to the pasta. To keep it vegan/vegetarian, add tofu or tempeh. Otherwise, chicken, salmon and shrimp also pair well.
    • Garnish it: Not only do garnishes make things pretty but they also add additional flavor, color and texture to the pasta. A few ideas include: chopped herbs, toasted sesame seeds, toasted pine nuts, lemon zest, chili flakes, chili crisp, dukkah, a finishing salt or seasoning blend (like a sprinkle of this homemade bouillon powder).
    Lemon tahini pasta in a white bowl with fork.

    Storage & Meal Prep Tips

    • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
    • To Reheat: Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a little water, stirring until it’s warm and creamy again.
    • Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this tahini pasta. However, the tahini sauce freezes wells and can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before using. These Souper Cubes are great for freezing sauces in.
    • Meal Prep: This pasta tastes best when served immediately. However the sauce can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a couple weeks.
    Pasta with creamy tahini sauce in a dutch oven with wooden spoon.

    FAQ

    What is tahini?

    Tahini is a smooth, creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds. For best results, choose a creamy, silky smooth tahini (not dry or super thick) that isn’t too bitter.

    What to serve with tahini pasta?

    It can be served as a main or as a side dish. You can serve with some additional protein (tofu or tempeh to keep it vegan/vegetarian or chicken, salmon or shrimp). Also pairs well with grilled, roasted or sauteed veggies or a simple salad, chopped salad or this cucumber yogurt salad.

    Can you make the tahini pasta sauce ahead of time?

    Absolutely! The tahini sauce will last in the fridge for a couple weeks or in the freezer for 3 months.

    How else can I use this tahini sauce?

    I highly recommend making a double batch of this sauce since it can be used in so many ways. It’s delicious drizzled over grilled or roasted veggies, rice bowls or nourish bowls. Also makes a great salad dressing or spread for sandwiches and wraps.

    White bowl of tahini pasta with fork.

    More Simple Vegetarian Dinner Ideas

    • Halloumi Stroganoff
    • Loaded Veggie Nachos
    • Halloumi Fajitas

    Did you make this tahini pasta recipe? I would love to hear about it! Leave me a comment below.

    Print
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    Closeup of tahini pasta in a white bowl with fork.

    Tahini Pasta

    ★★★★★ 5 from 10 reviews
    • Author: Vanessa | Maple + Mango
    • Prep Time: 5 min
    • Cook Time: 15 min
    • Total Time: 20 min
    • Yield: 4–6 (as a main) 1x
    • Category: Main Course, Side Dish
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: Mediterranean Inspired
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    This easy tahini pasta recipe is ready in just 20 minutes! Creamy, tangy, nutty goodness – the flavorful tahini sauce on this pasta is SO GOOD!


    Ingredients

    Scale

    For the pasta:

    • 1 (1 pound/500 g) package of pasta, any shape or variety you like
    • Garnish: chopped fresh parsley or basil, red pepper flakes or chili crisp, toasted sesame seeds or pine nuts, lemon zest, etc.

    For the tahini sauce:

    • 1/2 cup tahini
    • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
    • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about juice of 1 lemon)
    • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
    • 1 teaspoon maple syrup, optional
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1/4 – 1/2 cup water (quantity will depend on how thick tahini is)
    • salt and pepper, to taste

    Instructions

    1. Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Make sure to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
    2. Make tahini sauce: While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the tahini sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth and creamy (or use a blender or food processor).  Add just enough of the water to form a smooth and creamy sauce (amount will depend on thickness of tahini used).
    3. Combine: Toss the drained pasta together with the tahini sauce to evenly coat.  Gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you have a creamy, silky sauce coating the pasta.
    4. Garnish and enjoy: Serve the pasta immediately (the sauce will thicken as it cools). Garnish and enjoy!

    Notes

    • Tahini: Tahini is a smooth creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds.  Choose one with a creamy, silky smooth texture (not dry or thick) that isn’t too bitter.  This is the base of the sauce so you want to use a tasty one.
    • Reserve some pasta water: Don’t forget to scoop out about 1 cup of the pasta water right before draining it. Adding a bit of starchy pasta water when mixing the cooked pasta with the tahini sauce is the secret to a creamy luscious sauce.
    • Customize it: Use this recipe as a base and add to it as you like.  A few ideas include adding roasted, grilled or sauteed veggies, adding sun dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts, adding a protein (tofu or tempeh to keep it vegan/vegetarian, otherwise chicken, salmon or shrimp also pair well) or getting creative with garnishes.  Serve it as a main or a side dish.
    • Make a double batch of the tahini sauce! It stores well in the fridge for a couple weeks and is also delicious drizzled over grilled or roasted veggies, rice bowls or nourish bowls.  Can also be used as a salad dressing or sandwich/wrap spread.

    Keywords: tahini pasta, tahini pasta sauce

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @maple_and_mango on Instagram and hashtag it #mapleandmango

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    Photo collage graphic of tahini pasta with text overlay that reads "Creamy Lemon Tahini Pasta Recipe".
    « Salmon Risotto

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Bernice

      June 01, 2023 at 10:43 am

      You are so right, the key to success with this recipe is the right tahini! Once I found the right one it was so easy to make and so tasty that we ate the whole pot.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Vanessa | Maple + Mango

        June 04, 2023 at 11:02 am

        A delicious, creamy, mild flavored tahini is so key! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    2. Colleen

      May 31, 2023 at 3:11 pm

      This tahini pasta was so good with some asparagus added. I used gluten-free pasta and it turned out perfect. Thanks for this recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Vanessa | Maple + Mango

        June 04, 2023 at 11:01 am

        Yum! Asparagus is a fabulous addition!

        Reply
    3. Marie-Pierre Breton

      May 31, 2023 at 11:35 am

      This sounds like a new horizon for me, tahini I’m always a bit scared of it because of its strength but somehow, with the tahini and lemon sounds dreamy. Plus, your pasta are looking so fun, what are they called? Mama Fusilli? A definite must-try!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Vanessa | Maple + Mango

        May 31, 2023 at 11:51 am

        The key is to find a good tahini that is smooth and creamy with a milder taste. I used to think that I didn’t like it because I had tried a really bitter one. I think the pasta is Trottole (I picked it up in a local Italian shop and don’t have another bag on hand to double check). However, you can use any shape of pasta for this recipe. I just thought this one looked fun when I saw it so I couldn’t resist!

        Reply
    4. Lily

      May 31, 2023 at 7:33 am

      OMG this was fabulous! Love how quickly it came together and love that it is healthy too!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Vanessa | Maple + Mango

        May 31, 2023 at 11:29 am

        I’m so happy you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    5. nancy

      May 30, 2023 at 3:46 pm

      tasty tahini pasta recipe. I enjoyed the lemon zest you added to it . it really brightened and made this recipe pop!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. Rachna

      May 25, 2023 at 8:36 pm

      I loved making this pasta. I think using tahini in pasta is a genius take. Loved the freshness from the vinegar. Great balance of flavors here.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Vanessa | Maple + Mango

        May 26, 2023 at 11:56 am

        I’m so glad that you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    7. veenaazmanov

      May 25, 2023 at 7:31 pm

      This is such an easy recipe. Love the description you have mentioned of creamy, tangy and nutty. Thanks for a reminder.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    8. Nikki

      May 25, 2023 at 5:58 pm

      What incredible flavors in this creamy and flavorful tahini pasta. I can’t wait to try it out.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    9. Amy

      May 25, 2023 at 4:49 pm

      Vanessa, you always see to outdo yourself. This was absolutely delicious that even my pickiest eaters asked for seconds!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Vanessa | Maple + Mango

        May 26, 2023 at 11:57 am

        I’m so happy to hear that!

        Reply
    10. Elisa

      May 25, 2023 at 4:25 pm

      Love this tahini pasta recipe!!! it looks delicious and fresh. Definitely will make it for dinner soon. Thanks for sharing 🙂

      ★★★★★

      Reply

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