Description
Creamy, nutty tahini pairs perfectly with sweet, caramelized cherry tomatoes in this easy, delicious pasta dish. Tahini Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes is a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple, offering bold flavors and a wholesome twist on classic comfort food. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s perfect for dinner, meal prep, or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
-
- 12 oz (340 grams) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup tahini (well-stirred)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté the Cherry Tomatoes:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and burst.
- Prepare the Tahini Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Gradually add the reserved pasta water, whisking until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cherry tomatoes.
- Pour the tahini sauce over the pasta and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Cook over low heat for 2–3 minutes to warm through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately with an extra drizzle of olive oil and lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly option.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make excellent additions to this dish.
- Flavor Boost: Add fresh basil or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired