Tahini Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

This pasta is a simple recipe that’s ready in only 20 minutes. It’s rich, creamy, delicious—and even vegan (though we won’t say that part too loudly around your friends and family if you don’t want us to). Top it off with fresh basil and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser that’s totally doable on a busy weeknight.

We get asked all the time for more easy, flavorful recipes that can be whipped up quickly. This one checks all the boxes. The sauce uses tahini—a slightly nutty, sesame-based paste that's creamy and totally nut-free. Combined with sun-dried tomatoes and lemon juice, this pasta dish is hearty, healthy, and bursting with flavor.

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 10 Minutes

Total Time: 20 Minutes

Yield: 4 Servings

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta of choice (we used gluten-free)

• ⅔ cup tahini (we recommend Soom Foods or the 365 brand from Whole Foods)

• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil (not dried)

• 2 tbsp oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes

• 1½ to 2½ cups vegetable broth

• 6 cloves garlic

• 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped

• 1–2 tbsp lemon juice (about 1 lemon)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes

• Black pepper to taste

• Optional: 2 tbsp nutritional yeast

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions.

2. Once done, drain the pasta and leave it in a colander. You'll reuse the pot in a moment.

3. In a skillet, sauté the onion in sun-dried tomato oil for about 5 minutes.

4. Add garlic and sauté for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

5. Transfer the onion-garlic mixture to a blender. Add tahini, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon juice, broth (start with 1½ cups), salt, red pepper flakes, and nutritional yeast (if using). Blend until smooth.

   • Add more broth as needed to adjust consistency; it will thicken when heated.

6. Return the pasta to the empty pot. Pour in the sauce and stir to combine.

7. Simmer over low heat for a few minutes to warm and blend the flavors.

8. Garnish with fresh basil, red pepper flakes, and more nutritional yeast.

9. Serve hot and enjoy!