Name: Lemony Hummus Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 12 ounces spaghetti or bucatini; Salt, for pasta water; 1/4 cup olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 large shallot, finely chopped; 1 cup plain hummus (store-bought or homemade); 1 lemon, zested and juiced; Tender herb leaves of your choice (such as parsley, basil, or cilantro); Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

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Introduction

This Lemony Hummus Pasta is a bright, creamy, and quick dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining zesty lemon with smooth hummus creates a flavorful sauce that coats tender pasta beautifully. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with fresh herb goodness.

A white plate filled with a messy pile of creamy spaghetti noodles coated in a light beige sauce, sprinkled with small bits of crushed nuts or cheese. Bright green mint leaves are scattered on top for color contrast. A silver fork with a black handle is twirling some spaghetti on the right side of the plate. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Salt
12 ounces spaghetti or bucatini
1/4 cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 large shallot, finely chopped
1 cup plain hummus (store-bought or homemade)
1 lemon, zested and juiced
Tender herb leaves of your choice, for serving
Toasted sesame seeds, optional

Instructions

Step 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. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, shallot, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant and slightly softened, about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the hummus and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Mix until the hummus loosens into a smooth, creamy sauce. Add the lemon zest and juice, then reduce heat to medium-low.
Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat. Season with salt to taste. Add more reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Step 5: Transfer pasta to serving bowls or plates. Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired and garnish with tender herbs and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or mint to add a bright herbal note to the dish.
For a nutty crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts instead of sesame seeds.
Swap hummus for flavored varieties such as roasted red pepper or garlic for a twist.
If you prefer a thinner sauce, increase the reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired texture.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh to keep the flavors vibrant.

How to Serve

A white shallow bowl contains two layers of thick spaghetti pasta coated with a light cream-colored sauce, giving a smooth and slightly glossy texture. The pasta is intertwined in a loose heap at the center of the bowl. Scattered on top are bright green torn mint leaves providing a fresh pop of color. A silver fork with a black handle rests on the right edge of the bowl, twirling some of the pasta strands. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface that adds a clean and bright backdrop to the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe works well with many pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or linguine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

Absolutely. As long as you use a vegan-friendly hummus and pasta, this lemony hummus pasta is completely vegan and dairy-free.