The Creamy Tahini Broccoli Pasta is the perfect answer to your craving for something rich and comforting yet plant-forward and light. This wholesome pasta is completely vegan and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday suppers. The nutty creaminess of tahini pairs beautifully with crisp-tender broccoli and earthy sage for a luxurious, dairy-free pasta experience.
Finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and crunchy pumpkin seeds, every bite is a delightful blend of texture and taste. This dish proves that healthy food doesn’t have to sacrifice flavor. Whether you’re dairy-free, tomato-free, or just in search of a delicious new pasta idea, this recipe has you covered!
Full Recipe:
-
2 cups pasta (bow-tie or any preferred shape)
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 cup broccoli florets
-
¼ cup tahini
-
¼ cup warm water (adjust for sauce consistency)
-
½ teaspoon dried sage (or fresh to taste)
-
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
-
½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
-
Pinch of salt
-
Pinch of black pepper (optional)
-
1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
-
Fresh herbs, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
-
Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water.
-
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté broccoli for 7–8 minutes until tender yet crisp.
-
In a bowl, whisk together tahini, warm water, sage, garlic powder, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Adjust water to desired sauce thickness.
-
Drain the cooked pasta and return to pot. Stir in sautéed broccoli and tahini sauce. Mix well to coat evenly.
-
Season with salt and black pepper (if using). Transfer to serving bowls.
-
Garnish with fresh herbs and pumpkin seeds before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 507 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
A Comforting Classic with a Nutty Twist
Pasta is a timeless staple in kitchens around the world, and there’s something incredibly soothing about a warm bowl of creamy noodles. But what happens when you take that comforting foundation and give it a healthful, plant-based twist? Enter the Creamy Tahini Broccoli Pasta—a simple, nourishing, and delightfully creamy dish that’s completely vegan, dairy-free, and optionally gluten-free depending on the pasta used.
This dish is more than just another pasta recipe. It’s a creative blend of wholesome ingredients, designed for people who are mindful of what they eat without compromising on flavor. It’s also an excellent example of how ingredients like tahini—more commonly seen in Middle Eastern dips like hummus—can be transformed into a decadent, savory pasta sauce.
The Power of Tahini in Pasta
Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds, known for its rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture. While it’s often associated with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, tahini has become a beloved staple in vegan and allergy-conscious cooking due to its creaminess and nutrient profile.
In this recipe, tahini replaces the traditional cream or cheese found in most pasta sauces, offering a dairy-free alternative that’s still luscious and satisfying. It has a mild earthiness that pairs exceptionally well with garlic, herbs, and green vegetables like broccoli. When combined with warm water and optional elements like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, tahini emulsifies into a creamy sauce that clings beautifully to pasta.
What makes tahini especially useful in recipes like this is its versatility. You can easily adjust the consistency by altering the water ratio, making it thicker for a clingy, luxurious coating, or thinner for a more pourable sauce. It’s also naturally gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free—making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
Broccoli: A Nutritional Powerhouse
Broccoli is often seen as a classic “healthy” vegetable—and for good reason. It’s packed with vitamins C and K, as well as fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Its slightly bitter, earthy flavor complements the nutty profile of tahini, especially when it’s sautéed until golden at the edges. That slight caramelization brings out its natural sweetness while maintaining a firm texture.
In this dish, broccoli serves as both a flavor and texture booster. It adds bite and visual appeal while delivering much-needed greens into your meal. You could certainly substitute it with other vegetables like kale, spinach, or even green beans, but the original combo of tahini and broccoli is a hard one to beat.
A Sauce That’s Free of Tomatoes and Dairy
One of the standout features of this recipe is its complete omission of both tomatoes and dairy. For people who are sensitive to acidic foods, such as those managing histamine intolerance or acid reflux, tomato-based sauces can be problematic. This tahini-based sauce is a gentle alternative that avoids common irritants while still delivering a rich, satisfying taste.
For those following a low-histamine diet, the recipe is highly adaptable. The only ingredients that could be questionable—apple cider vinegar, garlic, and tahini—can either be omitted or substituted to meet personal dietary needs. The dish still holds up beautifully without them, making it a flexible option for individuals with dietary sensitivities.
Ideal for Quick Weeknight Dinners
Time is one of the biggest barriers to cooking healthy meals at home. That’s why this recipe is a winner for busy weeknights. From start to finish, it takes about 25 minutes to make. There’s minimal prep involved, and the cooking steps are simple enough for even beginner home cooks to follow.
What makes this pasta dish even more appealing is how forgiving it is. Don’t have bow-tie pasta? Use penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Out of fresh sage? Dried will do, and you can swap in other herbs like thyme or oregano. This flexibility makes the recipe easy to adapt based on what’s available in your kitchen.
It’s also a great option for meal prepping. The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. The full dish reheats well, especially when topped with a splash of plant-based milk or a drizzle of olive oil to bring back the creamy texture.
Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
Getting kids to eat green vegetables can be a challenge, but this pasta may just change the game. The broccoli is tender but still toothsome, and the creamy sauce appeals to picky eaters who might normally resist “green” ingredients. Plus, it has a familiar pasta base that children tend to love, making it easier to introduce new flavors like tahini and herbs.
For families managing food allergies or intolerances, this recipe is a valuable go-to. It’s free of common allergens like dairy, eggs, and nuts (as long as your tahini is from a sesame-only facility), and it doesn’t rely on any exotic ingredients that require specialty shopping.
Toppings and Customizations
The final touches make this dish shine. Fresh herbs, like parsley, dill, or chives, brighten the flavor and bring color contrast to the bowl. A sprinkle of pumpkin seeds adds crunch and subtle earthiness, while also offering a boost of plant-based protein and healthy fats.
Want to add more protein? Stir in some sautéed tofu cubes, roasted chickpeas, or even a handful of hemp seeds. Looking for a cheesy flavor without the dairy? A dusting of nutritional yeast over the top provides that savory umami kick.
You can also spice it up with a pinch of chili flakes or add a burst of brightness with a squeeze of lemon juice. These little tweaks allow the recipe to evolve with your taste and dietary preferences.
Perfect for Seasonal Eating
Although it can be enjoyed year-round, this pasta truly shines in the cooler months. The warm, creamy texture and cozy flavor profile are ideal for fall and winter dinners. However, its lightness also makes it a great transitional dish for spring, especially when fresh herbs are in season.
For summer, try adding fresh cherry tomatoes (if tolerated), steamed peas, or even grilled zucchini to give it a seasonal refresh. You’ll still get the rich base of tahini and the crunch of seeds, but with a warm-weather twist.
Conclusion: A Modern Classic for the Conscious Cook
The Creamy Tahini Broccoli Pasta isn’t just another recipe—it’s a celebration of how modern cooking can be both flavorful and functional. Whether you’re vegan, managing food sensitivities, or simply trying to eat more plants, this dish offers a practical, delicious solution that doesn’t skimp on comfort or nutrition.
It demonstrates that plant-based eating doesn’t have to be restrictive or complicated. With a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a bowl of nourishing, creamy pasta that hits all the right notes. It’s satisfying yet light, indulgent yet wholesome, and best of all, endlessly customizable.
So the next time you’re craving something cozy but clean, give this tahini pasta a try. It might just earn a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation.
