If you’re craving a comforting yet light dinner that comes together in a snap, this One Pot Creamy Hummus Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender pasta swirled in a luscious, velvety hummus sauce infused with garlic and bright lemon notes, all cooked in just one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. This dish not only satisfies your pasta cravings but also brings a lovely Mediterranean twist that’s both vegan and absolutely delicious. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that feels special without any fuss, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this One Pot Creamy Hummus Pasta Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that each play a vital role. From the short pasta that soaks up all those beautiful flavors, to the hummus that creates that irresistibly creamy texture, everything combines for a harmonious and colorful dish you’ll come back to again and again.
- 12 ounces short pasta (penne or fusilli): These shapes hold the sauce perfectly and cook evenly in one pot.
- 3 cups vegetable broth: Adds depth and richness while cooking the pasta, replacing the need for extra oils or creams.
- 1 cup water: Balances the cooking liquid to ensure pasta cooks through without sticking.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic kicks the flavor up a notch with its aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savory notes and rounds out the garlic flavor beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and mild spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle, lingering heat.
- 1 cup plain hummus: The star ingredient that makes the sauce creamy, tangy, and utterly satisfying.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Elevates richness and helps marry the sauce ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the entire dish with a fresh citrus zing.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Amplifies the lemon flavor and lends a fresh aroma.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds bursts of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Boosts nutrition and offers a tender, leafy contrast to the pasta.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Perfect finishing touch for a bright, herbal note and pretty garnish.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Hummus Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Bring It All Together
Start by combining the short pasta, vegetable broth, water, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes in a large pot or deep skillet. Stir gently so everything is distributed evenly. The broth and water will cook the pasta while infusing it with flavor. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer, uncovered. This step lets the pasta soak up deliciousness while softening perfectly in about 10 to 12 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, lower the heat to medium-low. Now it’s time to add the creamy goodness: stir in the hummus, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. These ingredients transform the cooking liquid into a silky sauce that hugs every piece of pasta. Keep stirring until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce is smooth and luscious. This beautiful creamy coating is what makes this recipe truly special.
Step 3: Add Fresh Veggies
Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cook for just 1 to 2 minutes more so the spinach wilts gently and the tomatoes warm through, releasing their natural sweetness. This quick addition keeps the veggies fresh and vibrant, providing lovely texture contrasts and colorful highlights to your creamy pasta dish.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Remove the pot from heat and give it a taste. This moment lets you tweak the seasoning—maybe a pinch more salt, a crack of black pepper, or even a dash of lemon juice for extra brightness. Customizing here ensures every bite feels balanced and tailored perfectly to your liking.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Hummus Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of green and a fresh herbal note that complements the creamy lemony pasta beautifully. If you like, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top boosts richness, or a pinch of extra crushed red pepper flakes can add a little heat for those who want some spice.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp salads or roasted vegetables. Think a tangy cucumber salad or lemony roasted Brussels sprouts to keep the Mediterranean-inspired theme alive and add variety to your meal. Garlic bread or warm pita on the side can also be delightful for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, spoon the pasta into shallow bowls and garnish with parsley and halved cherry tomatoes arranged on top. You can even serve it alongside grilled lemon wedges for guests to squeeze fresh juice as they like. To elevate it further, try topping with toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a nutty, cheesy flavor without any dairy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover creamy hummus pasta in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or cozy dinners during the week.
Freezing
While the texture of the fresh spinach and tomatoes may change slightly upon freezing, you can freeze the pasta without them added. Store the creamy pasta sauce and cooked pasta together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through and creamy once again. This method brings back the sauce’s silky texture without drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free short pasta works wonderfully in the One Pot Creamy Hummus Pasta Recipe. Just keep in mind the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the brand, so monitor the pasta to avoid overcooking.
What kind of hummus works best?
Plain hummus is perfect for the base, but feel free to experiment with flavored varieties like roasted garlic or lemon hummus to add a unique twist. Just watch the salt level if your hummus is pre-seasoned.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this dish is completely vegan and dairy-free, making it a great choice for plant-based meals that don’t skimp on flavor or creaminess.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers are excellent additions that can be stirred in along with the spinach and tomatoes, boosting both nutrition and variety.
How spicy is the dish with the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a mild, gentle heat that warms the palate without overwhelming. You can omit them entirely or increase the amount if you like more spice.
Final Thoughts
I hope this One Pot Creamy Hummus Pasta Recipe inspires you to enjoy dinner that’s quick, easy, and packed with incredible flavors. It’s always such a pleasure to find a dish that feels comforting and satisfying but uses wholesome ingredients and minimal cleanup. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite weeknight meal that everyone will ask you to make again and again.
Print
One Pot Creamy Hummus Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This One Pot Creamy Hummus Pasta is an easy and delicious vegan dish that combines tender pasta with a creamy hummus sauce, packed with fresh vegetables and bright lemon flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it is dairy-free and requires only one pot, making cleanup simple and fast.
Ingredients
Pasta and Liquids
- 12 ounces short pasta such as penne or fusilli
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
Seasonings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce and Add-ins
- 1 cup plain hummus
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: Add the pasta, vegetable broth, water, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to a large pot or deep skillet. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
- Cook pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a steady simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 10 to 12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add creamy sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the plain hummus, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the pasta evenly.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes are warmed through.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use flavored hummus such as roasted garlic or lemon for added variety.
- For extra vegetables, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.
- Stir frequently while simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot.
- This dish can be easily customized to your taste and vegetable preferences.
