Creamy Tahini Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes, Parmesan, and basil. A fresh weeknight dinner featuring the most luxurious tahini pasta sauce that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love this Tahini Pasta

I prize recipes that combine pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create speedy, nutritious dinners.

This tahini pasta uses simple ingredients, yet boasts complex, rich flavors. Between the burst of umami from the tomatoes and beautifully bitter undertones of tahini, it’s the ultimate Mediterranean mashup. 

With the help of plenty of garlic, Parmesan, and fresh basil, this pasta will transport you to the coast of Greece. Especially when served with a crisp green salad on the side.

The tahini pasta sauce was inspired by this recipe from NYT Cooking. It’s incredibly rich and creamy without the use of heavy cream, which earns it major bonus points.

Thanks to the heart-healthy fats and whole grain noodles, I found this tahini pasta plenty satisfying when left vegetarian. However to amp up the protein, it’s delicious with the addition of chicken or shrimp.

For more summer pasta recipes, check out this Zucchini Pesto Pasta and this epic One Pan Pasta.

Recipe Ingredients

This beautiful weeknight pasta is ready in just 30 minutes.

It’s also easily made gluten free if you swap the wheat pasta for chickpea or lentil pasta.

• Pasta: I prefer using a long-strand noodle, such as spaghetti, angel hair, or capellini. To make this recipe gluten free/higher protein, use a chickpea or lentil pasta.
• Tahini: When it comes to tahini. you truly can’t beat Soom brand. It’s nutty and unctuous with beautifully bitter undertones. To receive 10% off your order, use code dishingouthealth at soomfoods.com
• Cherry tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and tasty year-round.
• Garlic: I go heavy on the garlic in this pasta with 5 cloves. For less intensity, scale down to 3.
• Parmesan: Salty, nutty, and best enjoyed in copious amounts! You’ll use freshly grated Parmesan in the sauce and as a final garnish.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice helps brighten the tahini pasta sauce.
• Za’atar: This Middle Eastern spice blend typically includes dried herbs, sumac, and toasted sesame seeds. The flavor is woodsy, floral, and delightfully nutty. 
• Capers: Optional, however I love the briny bite capers add.
• Basil: Fresh basil or parsley will add herby top notes to the pasta.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook Cherry Tomatoes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes and smashed garlic; cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until tomatoes are burst and jammy. Season with salt, pepper, and za’atar.

Step 2: Boil pasta in a large pot of generously salted water. Prior to draining, remove 1 cup of pasta cooking water.

Step 3: Prepare Tahini Pasta Sauce. In a large glass measuring cup or bowl, combine tahini, 3/4 cup of the grated Parmesan, lemon juice, and remaining salt and black pepper. Stream in reserved 1 cup of pasta cooking water and whisk until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble Tahini Pasta. Add cooked pasta and tahini sauce to pan with tomatoes. Toss continuously over medium heat until sauce thickens and clings to noodles. Stir in capers and fresh basil, and garnish with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Recipe Variations

• Tahini Pasta with Chicken: Sauté boneless, skinless chicken breasts and add them to the pasta once it’s cooked.
• Tahini Pasta with Mushrooms: Swap the cherry tomatoes for 1 lb. of mixed mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, cremini, etc.) Give the mushrooms a good sear in a large skillet and season with plenty of salt and pepper.
• Vegan Tahini Pasta: Swap the Parmesan cheese for this mixture of nutritional yeast, hemp seeds, and spices.

How to Store and Reheat:

• Store: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to help rehydrate the sauce. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. 
• I do not suggest freezing this recipe. The tahini pasta sauce is best enjoyed fresh.

More Vegetarian Pasta Recipes to Try:

If you give this recipe a try, be sure to snap a pic and tag #dishingouthealth on Instagram so I can see your creations. Also, follow along on Facebook and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates!