Get ready for a unique and incredibly satisfying pasta dish that's ready in just 20 minutes! This Creamy Lemon Tahini Pasta is a vibrant, flavorful, and surprisingly rich meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Al dente gluten-free pasta is coated in a luscious, tangy, and subtly nutty sauce made from tahini, fresh lemon, and a hint of garlic. It's wonderfully light yet deeply satisfying, packed with plant-based goodness, and delivers a gourmet taste with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
20-Minute Meal Magic: This entire dish, from cooking pasta to finishing the sauce, is ready in under 20 minutes.
Unique Creamy Sauce: Tahini creates a velvety, dairy-free sauce that's rich, tangy, and full of complex flavor.
Naturally Gluten-Free & Vegan: A perfect choice for those with dietary restrictions looking for a delicious, easy meal.
Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with healthy fats from tahini and fresh ingredients, it's a light yet filling meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta:
8 oz (225g) gluten-free spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
For the Creamy Tahini Sauce:
1/2 cup (120g) tahini (good quality, smooth & runny)
1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup (60ml) hot water (or reserved pasta water)
1 tbsp (15ml) tamari or gluten-free soy sauce
1/2 tsp (2.5g) smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Red pepper flakes
Toasted sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gluten-free spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Sauté Garlic (Optional but Recommended): While pasta cooks, in a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.
Whisk Tahini Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the tahini, fresh lemon juice, tamari, smoked paprika (if using), and the sautéed garlic (if used). Gradually add the hot water (or reserved pasta water), 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking vigorously until the sauce is completely smooth, creamy, and pourable. It should be thick enough to coat the pasta but not gluey.
Combine & Toss: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet (if used for garlic) or directly into the bowl with the tahini sauce. Toss well to ensure the pasta is fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Season & Serve: Taste the pasta and season generously with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or chives, red pepper flakes, or toasted sesame seeds.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving: Serve immediately while hot. It makes a fantastic light main course, or a satisfying side dish.
Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably upon chilling.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup of extra hot water or vegetable broth while stirring to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency.
Helpful Tips
Quality Tahini: Use a good quality, runny tahini for the best, creamiest sauce. If your tahini is thick, whisk it vigorously before measuring.
Adjust Consistency: Tahini sauces can seize up initially. Don't worry! Keep whisking and gradually add the hot water/pasta water until it loosens into a smooth, creamy texture.
Gluten-Free Pasta: Cook gluten-free pasta until just al dente, as it can become mushy if overcooked. The reserved pasta water is essential for the sauce.
Fresh Lemon Brightens: The fresh lemon juice is crucial here! It cuts through the richness of the tahini and adds a lovely zesty finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this nut-free? A: Tahini is made from sesame seeds, not nuts. If you have a sesame allergy, you could try a sunflower seed butter, but the flavor profile will be very different.
Q: What vegetables can I add? A: Sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli florets, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes are excellent additions. Add them in Step 4 when combining the pasta and sauce.
Q: What if my sauce is grainy? A: This usually means your tahini was too thick, or you didn't whisk enough. Add a bit more hot water and whisk vigorously. A powerful blender can also resolve graininess.
Q: Can I use a different type of gluten-free pasta? A: Yes, short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work just as well. Adjust cooking times according to package directions.
Conclusion
This 20-Minute Creamy Lemon Tahini Pasta is a culinary gem for those seeking a fast, flavorful, and uniquely satisfying meal. It's gluten-free, vegan, and proves that simple ingredients can create truly gourmet results. Get ready for a zesty, creamy, and utterly delicious weeknight treat!
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