Zesty Tahini Lemon Pasta with Crispy Chickpea Topping

March 27, 2025

Let’s talk creamy, tangy, zesty goodness! This tahini lemon pasta is the perfect twist on comfort food—rich, bright, and topped with golden, crunchy chickpeas for texture heaven. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Ready to whip up your new favorite pasta dish? Let’s get cooking!

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Let’s talk about pasta today, but not just any pasta. We’re talking creamy, tangy, zesty pasta magic—Zesty Tahini Lemon Pasta with Crispy Chickpea Topping! This dish came to life in a moment of culinary daydreaming, where Middle Eastern flavors decided to take a vacation to Italy. Picture this: a smooth, nutty tahini sauce kissed with the brightness of fresh lemon juice, cozied up with your favorite pasta, and topped with gloriously crisp chickpeas for that all-important crunch. I’ve got a hunch this might just end up being one of your go-to meals for something both comforting and sophisticated. Best of all? It's secretly easy enough to whip up on a busy weekday!

Zesty Tahini Lemon Pasta With Crispy Chickpea Topping Recipe

What sets this recipe apart is that it leans into bold, vibrant flavors that you don’t always see dancing together in pasta dishes. Tahini, with its rich, nutty undertones, brings creaminess without a drop of dairy—perfect for plant-based foodies or anyone just looking for a lighter but luscious sauce. The lemon, though, is the star. Its tart, citrusy vibe cuts through the richness of the tahini and adds that zing you never knew pasta was missing. And those crispy chickpeas? Oh, they’re the golden nuggets of this dish! Tossed with warm spices like smoked paprika and cumin, then roasted until irresistibly crunchy, they add not only texture but a burst of flavor that ties it all together. Trust me, your taste buds will be singing.

Here’s the secret sauce (pun intended) for making this dish foolproof: don’t skimp on the pasta water! When you’re making the tahini-lemon sauce, add a little of that starchy goodness to get everything to mix smoothly. It’s like a magical elixir that transforms your sauce into the silkiest, clinging wonder. And on the chickpea front, the key to crispiness is making sure they’re completely dry before you roast them—and don’t crowd the pan! Chickpeas need their personal space to get all golden and crispy. Oh, and one more tip: taste-test as you go. Tahini can vary in flavor, so adjust your lemon and salt to make sure you’re hitting the right balance.

The best part about this pasta is how versatile it is. You can serve it warm for a cozy dinner or chill it for a refreshing pasta salad twist. Need some variety? Toss in some sautéed zucchini, fresh spinach, or even roasted red peppers for an extra veggie boost. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is totally doable at home. So, are you ready to bring this fusion of flavors into your kitchen and onto your table? Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be zinging and crunching your way to pasta paradise. Let’s do this!

Keywords: zesty tahini lemon pasta, creamy vegan pasta recipe, crispy chickpea pasta topping, easy plant-based dinner recipe, tahini pasta salad ideas, lemon tahini sauce for pasta, nut-free dairy-free pasta recipe

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Mediterranean

Ingredients

•12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
•3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
•1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
•1 teaspoon smoked paprika
•1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
•1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
•1/4 teaspoon salt
•1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
•1/2 cup tahini
•Zest of 1 lemon
•Juice of 2 lemons
•1 clove garlic, minced
•1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
•1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
•Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
•Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
2
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3
Add the chickpeas to the skillet and stir to coat in the oil. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4
Cook chickpeas, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden brown, about 8–10 minutes.
5
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Mix until smooth and creamy, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
6
Once the pasta is drained, return it to the pot and mix in the tahini lemon sauce until the pasta is evenly coated.
7
Serve the pasta in bowls, topped with crispy chickpeas.
8
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories

520 calories

Protein

15g

Carbs

66g

Fat

22g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Spaghetti, linguine, or even short pasta like penne or fusilli work well. If you're gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free pasta of your choice.

Q: What can I use instead of tahini?

A: If you don’t have tahini, you can substitute it with sunflower seed butter or almond butter for a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Q: How do I make the chickpeas extra crispy?

A: To ensure crispy chickpeas, make sure they are dry before cooking. Pat them with a paper towel after rinsing. Use medium heat and give them time to brown without stirring too often. Adding a bit more olive oil can also enhance crispness.

Q: Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the tahini lemon sauce up to 1–2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If it thickens, simply whisk in a bit of water or lemon juice before serving.

Q: What should I do if the tahini sauce is too thick?

A: If the tahini sauce becomes too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta cooking water a tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil to the pasta before warming in the microwave or on the stovetop to loosen up the sauce.

Q: What are some variations for this recipe?

A: You can add roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or red peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. For a protein boost, toss in grilled chicken or shrimp. If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes in the sauce or sprinkle some chili oil on top before serving.

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