There is nothing quite like the comforting simplicity of this Easy Hummus Pasta Recipe to brighten up your weeknight dinners. It brings together tender pasta enveloped in a luscious, creamy hummus sauce, enhanced by the fresh zing of lemon, juicy grape tomatoes, and vibrant spinach. This recipe is a game-changer—blending wholesome ingredients with minimal effort, making it a perfect go-to for anyone craving a delicious, satisfying meal without complicated steps or long prep times.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this Easy Hummus Pasta Recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is, yet each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the hearty pasta to the bright, fresh veggies, every ingredient elevates the final dish beautifully.
- 16 ounces rotini pasta (or pasta of choice, gluten-free, if desired): Rotini is fantastic here because its twists hold onto the creamy hummus sauce perfectly.
- ½-1 cup pasta cooking water: Reserved cooking water helps to create a silky, smooth sauce by loosening the hummus just right.
- 1 cup Roasted Red Pepper Hummus (or your favorite store-bought savory hummus): The star of the show, adding both creaminess and a delicious savory punch with a hint of smokiness.
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups): These burst with fresh, juicy sweetness, balancing the richness of the hummus.
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped: Brightens the dish with vibrant color and mild earthiness, plus a nutrient boost.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Adds a refreshing tang that lifts the flavors and keeps everything bright and lively.
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the dish’s flavor profile.
How to Make Easy Hummus Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a boil—seasoning the water is key to flavoring the pasta itself. Cook your rotini pasta (or pasta of choice) according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Before you drain the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water; this magical liquid will help transform the hummus into a luscious sauce.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Return the drained pasta to the pot and add your delicious roasted red pepper hummus, halved grape tomatoes, chopped spinach, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, so the tomatoes and spinach start to mingle with the warm pasta, releasing their freshness into the mix.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Now comes the fun part: pour in ½ cup of that starchy pasta cooking water you saved, and stir vigorously. Watch as the hummus emulsifies with the water, creating a silky, creamy sauce that perfectly hugs every twist of pasta. If you like your sauce a bit runnier, just add more reserved water a little at a time until the texture is just right.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
This step is where you make the recipe truly your own. Taste the pasta and add more salt, pepper, extra lemon juice, or even a dollop more hummus if you want it richer. This flexibility is what makes the Easy Hummus Pasta Recipe so delightful—your preferences lead the way for the perfect balance of flavors.
How to Serve Easy Hummus Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish visually and texturally, consider topping your hummus pasta with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a lovely crunch, fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of green, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a glossy finish. A few shavings of vegan Parmesan or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a cheesy note if you like.
Side Dishes
This creamy, veggie-packed pasta pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or lightly roasted vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini. For a heartier meal, serving with warm crusty bread or garlic bread makes every bite even more comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta chilled as a refreshing pasta salad on a warm day by popping it in the fridge for an hour. You can also add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein or toss in olives and sun-dried tomatoes to deepen the flavor profile. The Easy Hummus Pasta Recipe really shines when you allow your creativity to play.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Hummus Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together beautifully overnight, making leftovers just as delicious—if not more so!
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of the spinach and tomatoes may suffer a bit. If you plan to freeze, it’s best to keep the pasta and sauce separate from any fresh ingredients and combine them after thawing to enjoy fresher flavors and textures.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring often to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving for longer periods as the texture of the sauce and veggies might change.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Easy Hummus Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for catching the sauce, any pasta shape you like works, from penne to fusilli or even gluten-free varieties. Choose your favorite and enjoy the flavors the same.
Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally vegan if you choose vegan-friendly hummus and pasta. For gluten-free, simply pick a gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set for a plant-based, allergy-friendly meal.
Can I substitute fresh spinach with other greens?
Sure thing! Baby kale, arugula, or even chopped Swiss chard can be great alternatives, bringing their unique textures and flavors to the dish without overpowering the creamy hummus sauce.
What’s the best type of hummus to use?
Roasted red pepper hummus is my favorite because it adds a subtle smoky sweetness, but feel free to experiment with garlic, spicy, or classic varieties depending on your mood. Just pick a savory hummus you enjoy eating on its own.
How can I make this dish more protein-packed?
Add cooked chickpeas, grilled chicken, or even walnuts for added crunch and nutrition. Tofu or tempeh cubes are great vegan protein options to toss in for a heartier meal.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Easy Hummus Pasta Recipe—its simplicity makes it perfect for busy days, while its vibrant flavors make it feel like a special occasion. This recipe invites you to enjoy a creamy, satisfying meal without fuss or lengthy prep. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite pasta dish to whip up again and again!
Print
Easy Hummus Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Hummus Pasta recipe combines rotini pasta with creamy roasted red pepper hummus, fresh grape tomatoes, and spinach for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. It’s a simple one-pot dish perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounces rotini pasta (or pasta of choice, gluten-free, if desired)
- ½–1 cup pasta cooking water
Sauce & Vegetables
- 1 cup Roasted Red Pepper Hummus (or your favorite store-bought savory hummus)
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta. In a large pot on the stove, bring well-salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside to use for the sauce.
- Combine the ingredients. Return the drained pasta to the pot and add the roasted red pepper hummus, halved grape tomatoes, chopped spinach, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until everything is evenly combined.
- Create the sauce. Pour ½ cup of the reserved pasta cooking water into the pasta mixture and stir continuously. The starchy water will help loosen the hummus, creating a creamy and smooth sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more reserved cooking water until your preferred consistency is reached.
- Adjust seasoning and serve. Taste the pasta and modify the seasoning to your liking by adding more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or hummus for additional flavor. Serve immediately warmed or at room temperature.
Notes
- Using gluten-free pasta substitutes keeps the recipe gluten-free without changing the flavor.
- Roasted red pepper hummus adds a smoky sweetness, but plain or other flavored hummus variations will also work.
- Reserve enough pasta water, as it’s essential to achieving that creamy hummus sauce texture.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with other greens like kale or arugula if desired.
- For a vegan variation, ensure the hummus does not contain any dairy or non-vegan ingredients.
