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My tahini pasta recipe shows how easy it is to make a creamy, dairy free pasta that is completely vegan. The rich sesame flavor pairs beautifully with tender noodles for a comforting yet wholesome meal. Serve pasta with tahini sauce as a savory side dish or add protein such as tofu or chicken to make it the main course. Best of all, this quick weeknight dinner comes together in under 15 minutes.
🍝 Tahini Pasta Recipe Ingredients
The ingredients for my pasta with tahini sauce are:
- 1 lb pasta, dry (454g; I used cavatappi)
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup toasted sesame oil (olive oil may be used instead, but you will lose out on flavor)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Get a printable recipe card below!
It’s important to balance the natural bitterness of tahini with a touch of sweetness. Many creamy vegan tahini pasta recipes skip this step, which can leave the sauce unpleasantly bitter. While it works to omit sweeteners in hummus or falafel sauce, a pasta dish uses more tahini, so the bitterness becomes much stronger.
Tahini brands vary, and some are far more bitter than others. With the wrong recipe, you could end up with overly bitter noodles. Maple syrup balances the flavor while keeping the dish vegan, and pairing tahini with peanut butter helps mellow the taste even more. This combination makes the sauce more appealing, even for picky eaters.
Finally, reduced-sodium soy sauce adds a savory, salty note. Be sure to choose a lower salt version so the sauce doesn’t become overpowering.
😋 Tahini Pasta Sauce Recipe
Here are step-by-step instructions for making pasta tahini:
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve a little pasta water before draining in case you need it later.
While the pasta cooks, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the tahini sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved hot pasta water, though this usually isn’t necessary.
Garnish with sliced scallion greens, sesame seeds, and red chili flakes, if desired.
Reheating Directions
This tahini pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat leftovers. Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a paper towel, and heat on high for about 1 minute, or until warmed through.
Can you make tahini sauce ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the tahini sauce in advance and store it in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so cook the pasta fresh and use the hot pasta water to thin and reheat the sauce before tossing it with the noodles.
Watch How to Make It!
Tahini Pasta Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta, dry (454g; I used cavatappi)
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve a little pasta water before draining in case you need it later.
- While the pasta cooks, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the tahini sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved hot pasta water. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 3 recipe (weight maintenance and active lifestyles). I recommend balancing this dish by adding protein and vegetables. Proteins that pair well with tahini sauce:- Chickpeas or chickpea pasta
- Air Fryer Crispy Tofu
- Tempeh
- Air Fryer Marinated Chicken
- Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Onion
- Bell peppers or roasted red peppers
- Wilted spinach
- Tomatoes
- Fresh herbs, such as basil
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
Recipe FAQ
What is tahini?
Tahini is a paste made of ground sesame seeds that have been toasted and hulled. It is a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine, where you’ll find it in foods like hummus, halva, and baba ganoush. Tahini is also used for a sauce for falafel.
Where can I buy tahini?
Most regular grocery stores carry tahini in the US, even Walmart. Check the international foods section or with the nut butters. You can also find tahini at Thrive Market, Trader Joe’s, Lidl, Whole Foods, and on Amazon.
Joyva, Mighty Sesame Co, and Ziyad tahini sesame are popular tahini brands. I love this squeeze bottle Mighty Sesame comes in.
Why is my tahini separating?
The oils in tahini like to separate, similar to what happens with natural peanut butter. You can fix tahini sauce that has separated by blending it in a mini food processor. Hand whisking may also work but can take quite a bit more effort.
How to make gluten free tahini sauce?
To make this tahini sauce gluten free, simply substitute the reduced-sodium soy sauce for gluten free tamari or coconut aminos. You’ll also need to use gluten-free pasta, such as brown rice pasta or lentil pasta.
👩🏻🍳 More Recipes with Tahini
Looking for more ways to cook with tahini? Try these recipes:
Each can easily be made vegan with simple swaps, such as using nondairy yogurt instead of regular. If you’re craving more vegan pasta ideas, check out my Tempeh Bolognese Sauce.
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Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create recipes for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂
What’s your favorite way to use tahini—sauces, dressings, desserts?