Creamy hummus pasta is one of my favorite go-to dinners when I want something comforting, nutritious, and quick. I love how this dish replaces heavy cream with velvety hummus to create a protein-rich sauce that’s smooth, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based goodness, this pasta is perfect for a busy weeknight or when I crave something light yet filling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple and wholesome this pasta is. It’s:
- Healthy and nourishing, packed with plant-based protein and fiber
- Quick to make, ready in just 20 minutes
- Completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly
- Easy to customize with vegetables, proteins, or seasonings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 oz pasta (regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
- 1 cup hummus (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup vegetable broth or reserved pasta water
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- ¼ cup roasted red peppers, sliced (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
I bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Before draining, I always reserve some pasta water—it helps adjust the sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Hummus Sauce
In a skillet, I sauté the minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Then, I stir in the hummus, lemon juice, and vegetable broth (or pasta water) and mix until smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, I add a little more liquid.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
I toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until it’s beautifully coated. Then, I like to mix in some veggies like spinach, roasted peppers, or cherry tomatoes. Before serving, I garnish it with red pepper flakes, fresh herbs, or an extra drizzle of olive oil.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 20 minutes total—5 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking. Each serving is around 350 calories, making it a balanced and satisfying meal.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: I use gluten-free pasta for a wheat-free option.
- Extra Protein: I sometimes add chickpeas, grilled tofu, or tempeh.
- Mediterranean Twist: I like mixing in sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and even a sprinkle of feta (if I’m not keeping it vegan).
- Creamier Texture: For an even silkier sauce, I blend the hummus with a bit of coconut milk or cashew cream.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of water or broth to bring back the creamy consistency. I usually reheat it gently on the stove over low heat.
FAQs
Can I use any hummus flavor?
Yes, I often experiment with different hummus varieties like roasted red pepper, garlic, or lemon. Each one gives the pasta its own unique twist.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. I like to prepare the sauce ahead and store it separately from the pasta, then combine them right before serving.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely. The creamy texture and mild flavor make it a hit with kids, especially if I skip the red pepper flakes.
What vegetables go best in this pasta?
I love adding roasted zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
Can I serve it cold?
Yes, this pasta tastes great as a chilled hummus pasta salad—perfect for lunch or picnics.
Conclusion
Creamy hummus pasta is one of those dishes that prove healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated. I love how it comes together so easily while still feeling indulgent and full of flavor. Whether I’m cooking for myself or sharing with friends, this recipe always delivers a satisfying, plant-based meal that’s both quick and nourishing.
Print
Creamy Hummus Pasta
Creamy hummus pasta is a quick, plant-based meal made with hummus, garlic, lemon, and olive oil for a silky, protein-rich sauce. It’s dairy-free, vegan, and customizable with vegetables or proteins—perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
- 1 cup hummus (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or reserved pasta water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in hummus, lemon juice, and vegetable broth or pasta water. Mix until creamy and smooth, adding more liquid if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in sauce.
- Mix in optional veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
- Use flavored hummus (like garlic or roasted red pepper) for variation.
- Add chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh for extra protein.
- Substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Leftovers make a great cold pasta salad.
- Blend hummus with coconut milk or cashew cream for a silkier texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
