Description
Lemony Hummus Pasta is a vibrant, creamy, and tangy dish combining al dente spaghetti with a smooth hummus-based sauce brightened by fresh lemon zest and juice. Enhanced with sautéed garlic and shallots in olive oil, this quick and easy pasta recipe offers a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Garnished with tender herbs and optional toasted sesame seeds, it’s perfect for a light yet satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti or bucatini
- Salt, for pasta water
Sauce
- 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
For Serving
- Tender herb leaves of your choice (such as parsley, basil, or cilantro)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or bucatini and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta brand. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set the drained pasta aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic, shallot, and a pinch of salt. Stir frequently and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant and the shallots soften slightly.
- Combine Hummus and Lemon: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the plain hummus along with ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Mix well until the hummus loosens into a smooth, creamy sauce. Add the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring to incorporate fully.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. Season with additional salt to taste. Add more reserved pasta water if needed to adjust the sauce consistency to your liking.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or plates. Optionally drizzle more olive oil over the top. Garnish with fresh tender herb leaves and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help emulsify and loosen the sauce for better texture.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for a bright, fresh flavor that complements the creamy hummus.
- Feel free to customize with herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro based on your preference.
- Toasted sesame seeds add a lovely nutty crunch but are optional.
- This recipe works well with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Lemon hummus pasta, Mediterranean pasta, creamy hummus pasta, quick pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta dish, lemon pasta sauce
