Lemon-Tahini Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Creamy pasta tossed in a vibrant lemon-tahini sauce, loaded with sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh herbs. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian, dairy-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs pasta, cherry tomatoes, tahini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 oz pasta until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Toss 2 cups cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 15 minutes until blistered and juicy.
- Step 3: Whisk 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water until smooth. Stir into drained pasta with roasted tomatoes and 1/4 cup chopped basil until glossy and well coated.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Tahini Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes 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 Lemon-Tahini Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes?
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 pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Tahini Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Lemon-Tahini Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Lemon-Tahini Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this lemon-tahini are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
