Tahini Rotini

Creamy, vibrant, and packed with plant-based goodness, Tahini Rotini is a Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish that transforms simple pantry staples into an extraordinary meal. The nutty richness of tahini creates a luscious sauce, perfectly balanced by bright lemon juice and a hint of garlic. Tossed with tender rotini pasta, sautéed cherry tomatoes, wilted baby spinach, protein-rich chickpeas, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this recipe is both comforting and nourishing. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a quick, wholesome dinner idea for busy weeknights or an impressive meatless option for entertaining. Serve this vegan pasta warm with optional red pepper flakes for a kick or sesame seeds for extra crunch, and watch it become an instant favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 0.5 cup tahini
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 0.25 cup warm water
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, prepare the tahini sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and warm water until smooth and creamy. Mince the garlic and stir it into the sauce along with the salt and black pepper.

Step 3

Halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside. Roughly chop the fresh parsley as well.

Step 4

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil (if needed) and lightly sauté the cherry tomatoes until they soften slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Add the baby spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5

Stir the cooked pasta into the skillet along with the chickpeas. Pour the tahini sauce over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 7

Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley. Optionally, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat or sesame seeds for added texture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1021.8 grams (1021.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2756

Total Fat 112.70g	144%
Saturated Fat 16.80g	84%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2564mg	111%
Total Carbohydrate 344.90g	125%
Dietary Fiber 44.10g	158%
Total Sugars 27.10g
Protein 90.10g	180%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 9577mg	737%
Iron 42878mg	238210%
Potassium 2349mg	50%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.8%

Protein: 13.1%

Carbs: 50.1%