Creamy Lemon-Herb Tahini Pasta with Crispy Chickpeas
A vibrant Mediterranean pasta dish featuring silky tahini sauce, zesty lemon, and crunchy roasted chickpeas for a protein-packed weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta (high protein, vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, tahini, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 120g spaghetti
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 can (15 oz, drained and patted dry) canned chickpeas
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 120g spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, toss 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas with 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chickpeas for 8-10 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until golden and crispy with slightly browned edges.
- Step 3: Whisk 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 3 minced garlic cloves in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add 2 tbsp reserved pasta water while whisking until creamy and pourable.
- Step 4: Toss drained spaghetti with the tahini sauce, adding more pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until sauce coats strands evenly. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped parsley and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Serve topped with crispy chickpeas and extra parsley.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Lemon-Herb Tahini Pasta with Crispy Chickpeas take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Creamy Lemon-Herb Tahini Pasta with Crispy Chickpeas?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Lemon-Herb Tahini Pasta with Crispy Chickpeas?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Creamy Lemon-Herb Tahini Pasta with Crispy Chickpeas for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Creamy Lemon-Herb Tahini Pasta with Crispy Chickpeas high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
