Description
A quick and creamy vegan pasta dish featuring tahini, garlic, and lemon, creating a rich and satisfying meal in just 15 minutes. It's dairy-free, plant-based, and easily customizable with your favorite veggies.
Ingredients
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or pasta of choice
1/3 cup tahini
2 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
1/2 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)
1/4 to 1/2 cup warm water (to thin sauce)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups baby spinach
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, lemon zest, soy sauce, garlic, and maple syrup (if using). Gradually add warm water until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped red onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 more minutes until they begin to blister.
- Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
- Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in the tahini sauce and toss everything to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of red chili flakes if desired.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Add roasted chickpeas or baked tofu for extra protein.
A drizzle of sesame oil enhances the nutty flavor.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or plant milk.
Avoid freezing as tahini sauce may separate.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
