This Tahini Pasta Sauce is the perfect blend of several amazing Unami flavors. It is so easy to make requiring basically just two simple steps and takes just minutes to prepare. If you like tahini you simply must try this tahini pasta sauce!

What is tahini?

Tahini is a paste made from toasted, ground sesame seeds. It is a staple ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine and is commonly used in dishes such as hummus, baba ghanoush, and halva.

Tahini has a creamy texture and a nutty flavor that is slightly bitter. It is a good source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc.

Tahini can be found in many grocery stores and specialty food stores. It is typically sold in jars or cans and can be stored at room temperature. Before using tahini, it is important to stir it well as the oil can separate from the solids and settle at the top of the jar.

Tahini is a versatile ingredient that can be used as a dip, sauce, or spread. It can be mixed with lemon juice, garlic, and water to make a simple dressing for salads or vegetables. It can also be added to smoothies or baked goods for a nutty flavor and added nutrition.

Is tahini healthy?

Tahini can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet. Here are some reasons why:

Good source of healthy fats: Tahini is rich in unsaturated fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which are associated with improved heart health.
High in protein: Tahini is a good source of plant-based protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues in the body.
Rich in minerals: Tahini is a good source of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc, which are important for strong bones and a healthy immune system.
Low in carbohydrates: Tahini is low in carbohydrates and has a low glycemic index, which means it doesn’t cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels.
Versatile ingredient: Tahini is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sauces and dips to baked goods and smoothies, making it easy to incorporate into a healthy diet.

Ingredients in Tahini Pasta Sauce

Here is everything you need to make your tahini pasta sauce turn out absolutely perfectly! Note, this post may contain affiliate links, to learn more, read our disclosure page.

Pasta– I used cellentani pasta when I made the pasta in the pictures, but really, the noodle doesn’t really make the dish here. With that said, I would give some minor tips for best results…I would not suggest selecting a noodle that is too thin such as angel hair or ramen as I feel it could get a bit clumpy with this hearty pasta sauce. I also think noodles with a bit of shape work best as it gives the sauce more to cling to than it would on say, a ziti. Some noodles I would recommend would be: stick with the cellentani, try a rotini, a rigged elbow, or perhaps an orecchiette.

Prepared Tahini– tahini is a paste made of sesame seeds that is SO GOOD. Brands here vary greatly however, and that can make some changes in the preparation of your pasta sauce. Almost all tahini will separate in storage requiring it to be recombined before using. That is where the issue can come in, many brands get super hard on the bottom and very liquid on the top and can be extra difficult to combine. I HIGHLY recommend this brand, I have had the best luck with it easily recombining with no stone-y bottom. It can also be easily found just about wherever you are.

Sriracha Sauce-this adds the amazing heat to this dish. And on that note, if you are NOT a fan of heat, or, if you are serving this dish to kids, I would HIGHLY suggest adding the sriracha a bit at a time instead of all at once as the final dish is a bit spicy…wonderful for heat lovers like me, less so for those with a milder palate.

Soy Sauce– any one you like, standard or low-sodium, whatever brand is your favorite will work just fine.

Yum Yum Sauce-The original version. You should be able to easily find it in any major grocer.

Pasta Water– Cook the pasta for the time indicated on the package in well-salted water. When the time is done, strain the noodles, reserving some of the pasta water. The best way to do this is to set out a large bowl (or your Instant Pot, if you have one), add a strainer to the bowl. When the cooking time is done, pour the pasta and water into the bowl/Pot. Remove the strainer and the noodles and set aside the remaining pasta water. Save all you have until you are sure how much you need, that way, if you sauce gets a bit thick after sitting, etc, you can always add more later.

Lemon Juice-This can be freshly squeezed from lemons or the reconstituted stuff sold in the plastic lemon, no judging here!

Sesame Seeds-These are totally optional and don’t really add any flavor; however, I feel they add a nice visual touch to this pasta as it can look a little bland without them. Other great options for garnish would be some parsley, combining the pasta with some fresh leafy greens, or serving with a fresh, bright side dish.

How To Make Tahini Pasta Sauce

This is really what makes this pasta sauce such a keeper–it is beyond easy! You really only need two steps to make this easy pasta sauce turn out absolutely perfectly.

Prepare the pasta according to package directions, reserving some of the pasta water after cooking.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce by combining the tahini, sriracha, soy sauce, yum yum sauce and lemon juice. After the pasta is done, add up to ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Toss with the pasta and serve, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.

What to serve with Tahini Pasta?

Tahini pasta is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. Here are some ideas for what to serve with tahini pasta:

Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and sweet potatoes make a perfect side dish for tahini pasta. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before roasting to enhance their natural flavors.
Grilled chicken or tofu: Grilled chicken or tofu can be sliced and served on top of tahini pasta for added protein. Season the chicken or tofu with your favorite spices before grilling to add flavor.
Chickpea salad: A chickpea salad with fresh vegetables and herbs, such as cucumber, tomatoes, and parsley, can be served alongside tahini pasta for a refreshing and nutritious side dish.
Falafel: Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish that can be served with tahini pasta for a flavorful and filling meal. You can make your own falafel at home or purchase pre-made falafel from a local restaurant or grocery store.
Hummus and pita: A plate of hummus and pita bread can be served with tahini pasta for a complete Middle Eastern-inspired meal. Use the pita bread to scoop up the hummus and pasta for a delicious and satisfying bite.
Salad: A simple salad with fresh greens and a vinaigrette dressing can be served alongside tahini pasta for a light and refreshing side dish. Add toppings such as nuts or seeds for added texture and nutrition.

Dishes you may love as much as this Tahini Pasta Sauce:

This Boursin Tomato Pasta is a much more flavorful twist on the internet sensation with no extra effort.
Green Olive Pasta Puttanesca is another insanely easy pasta dish that is simply packed with flavor.