Lemony Hummus Pasta

Lemony Hummus Pasta

Hummus, with its nutty and garlicky flavor, makes a fantastic dip, spread or even a salad dressing, but it can also be a great base for a pasta sauce. A little garlic and shallot sizzled in olive oil, along with fresh lemon juice and zest, help amp up premade hummus. With a little water, the hummus thins out enough to become a creamy sauce to fully coat noodles. You can add chickpeas, fresh herbs, za’atar or almost any roasted or fresh vegetable to this pasta and it will feel like your own.

Ingredients

  • salt
  • spaghetti or bucatini
    12 oz
  • olive oil
    ¼ c
  • garlic cloves

    finely chopped

    4
  • shallot

    finely chopped

    1 large
  • plain hummus

    store-bought or homemade

    1 c
  • lemon

    zested and juiced

    1
  • tender herb leaves of your choice

    for serving

  • toasted sesame seeds

    optional

Directions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and set aside.

  2. 2

    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium and add the garlic, shallot and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant and slightly softened, about 2 minutes, then add the hummus and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir until the hummus becomes a looser, smoother sauce. Stir in lemon zest and juice. Turn heat down to medium-low.

  3. 3

    Add the pasta to the pan, toss very well to coat, season with salt to taste, and toss again, adding more reserved pasta water if needed to create desired consistency. Transfer to serving bowls or plates. Drizzle with more olive oil, if desired, and top with the herbs and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.

Lemony Hummus Pasta

Lemony Hummus Pasta

5.0(1.5k)606 cal

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About this Recipe

Looking for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner that's bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor? This Lemony Hummus Pasta transforms a simple pantry staple into an incredibly creamy, zesty main course that comes together with ease.

The brilliance of this recipe lies in how effortlessly plain hummus is elevated into a rich sauce. Sizzled garlic and shallots provide a fragrant, aromatic depth, while fresh lemon juice and zest brighten every strand of spaghetti, creating a surprisingly luxurious yet light coating. It's a clever way to enjoy a comforting pasta dish with minimal fuss, standing apart from typical tomato or cream-based sauces.

Prepare for a delightful balance of creamy texture and bright, fresh taste. The velvety sauce beautifully coats the noodles, offering a comforting, savory experience with distinct notes of citrus. This easy, stovetop meal is naturally vegan and comes together quickly, making it perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner without a lot of prep. You'll savor the warm, garlicky undertones perfectly complemented by the tangy lemon, all mingling with the subtle nuttiness of the hummus.

This versatile Lemony Hummus Pasta invites personalization. You can easily:

  • Add cooked chickpeas for extra protein and texture, or other roasted vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for a heartier meal.
  • Stir in different fresh herbs such as parsley or dill, beyond the suggested tender herbs, for varied aromatics.
  • For a richer, savory depth, a touch of za’atar would complement the hummus beautifully.

Serve this vegetarian pasta as a fulfilling main course for a casual lunch or a speedy weeknight dinner. A scattering of fresh tender herbs and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds makes for an elegant and flavorful finish.

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