Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite quick meal: creamy hummus pasta! Seriously, if you’re looking for something that’s not just delicious but also healthy, this dish is a total game-changer. Picture this: perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich and velvety hummus sauce, bursting with flavor and a pop of vibrant spinach. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. You can whip it up in just about 20 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or when you just want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, you can easily customize it with whatever veggies you have lying around. Trust me, once you try this creamy hummus pasta, it’s going to become a staple in your home, just like it did in mine!
Ingredients for Creamy Hummus Pasta
Let’s gather all the goodies you’ll need for this creamy hummus pasta. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that luscious sauce and delightful flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz pasta: I usually go for whole wheat or gluten-free options, but any pasta shape you love will work beautifully here! Just make sure it’s cooked al dente for that perfect bite.
- 1 cup hummus: This is the star of the show! Choose your favorite store-bought hummus or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. I love using roasted garlic or lemon-flavored hummus for an extra kick.
- 2 cups spinach: Fresh baby spinach is best! It wilts down perfectly and adds a pop of color and nutrients. If you’re feeling wild, throw in some kale or other greens too!
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Fresh garlic really amps up the flavor! Just a clove will do to give your dish a lovely aroma. Don’t skip it; it makes a big difference!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps sauté the garlic and spinach, adding richness to the dish. Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for that robust flavor.
- Salt to taste: A little sprinkle goes a long way, so season gradually and taste as you go!
- Pepper to taste: Freshly cracked black pepper elevates the dish. You can add as much or as little as you like!
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional): I can’t resist a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top! It adds a lovely salty note, but it’s totally optional if you want to keep it vegan.
How to Prepare Creamy Hummus Pasta
Alright, let’s get cooking! This creamy hummus pasta is super easy to whip up, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that pasta going! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. I usually add about a tablespoon of salt—this really helps flavor the pasta. Once your water is boiling, toss in the 8 oz of pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for al dente. I like to taste it a minute or two before the time is up to ensure it’s just right. You want it firm but not crunchy, you know? Once it’s done, drain the pasta but save a little bit of that starchy pasta water (about half a cup) just in case we need it later!
Sautéing the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooking, let’s get to the good stuff! In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add in the minced garlic. You’ll want to sauté that for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then, toss in the 2 cups of fresh spinach. Stir it around for about 2-3 minutes until it wilts down beautifully. The smell is going to be incredible, trust me!
Combining the Ingredients
Now, here comes the fun part! Once your spinach is all wilted, add in that glorious cup of hummus. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and the hummus coats the veggies. If the mixture feels a bit thick, don’t worry! This is where that reserved pasta water comes in handy. Add a splash at a time until you reach that creamy consistency you love. Just keep stirring until it’s smooth and luscious!
Final Touches
Finally, let’s bring it all together! Add the drained pasta to the pan, and gently toss it all together so the pasta gets dressed in that dreamy hummus sauce. Season it with salt and pepper to taste—this is where you can adjust the flavor to your liking! And if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. It adds a delightful touch, but remember, it’s totally optional if you’re keeping it vegan. Serve it up warm, and enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen!
- Made with wholesome ingredients, it’s a nutritious meal that’s packed with protein and fiber, keeping you satisfied.
- The creamy hummus sauce gives a rich, indulgent flavor without any heavy cream—so you can enjoy all the creaminess guilt-free!
- It’s incredibly versatile; you can easily toss in any veggies you have on hand or even switch up the pasta type to suit your taste.
- This dish is vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made vegan, making it a great option for everyone!
- Leftovers taste amazing the next day, so you can meal prep and enjoy this delightful dish more than once!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to dive into making this creamy hummus pasta, let me share some tried-and-true tips that will take your dish from good to absolutely amazing!
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that hold onto the sauce well, like fusilli or penne. They catch that creamy hummus sauce in all the nooks and crannies, making every bite delicious!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remember to cook your pasta al dente. It should have a little bite to it! Overcooked pasta tends to become mushy, and we want that perfect texture to contrast with the creamy sauce.
- Experiment with Hummus Flavors: Don’t be afraid to mix it up! Try different flavors of hummus, like spicy harissa or roasted red pepper, to add a unique twist to your dish.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you find the sauce a bit too thick, just add a splash of that reserved pasta water (or even a bit of vegetable broth) until you reach your desired consistency. It’ll make everything come together beautifully!
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in any veggies you love! Zucchini, bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes can add flavor, color, and nutrition. Just sauté them before adding the hummus for a delightful crunch.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving can elevate the dish even more. It adds a refreshing touch and a pop of color!
- Serve it Right Away: Creamy hummus pasta is best enjoyed fresh. If you let it sit too long, the pasta may soak up the sauce. So, serve it hot and enjoy it right away for that creamy goodness!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make the most incredible creamy hummus pasta. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to keep those delicious leftovers of creamy hummus pasta! If you find yourself with some extra after your meal (which is rare, but it happens), here’s how to store and reheat it for the best experience.
First things first, let the pasta cool down to room temperature before you store it. This helps prevent condensation in the container, which can make it a bit soggy. Once it’s cooled, transfer your creamy hummus pasta into an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to give it a good stir before sealing it up!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the stovetop for the best texture. Just pop the pasta into a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or vegetable broth to help loosen it up. Stir it around until it’s warmed through—this should only take about 5-7 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, that works too! Just cover it with a damp paper towel and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warm all the way through.
And just a little tip: if it looks a bit dry after reheating, feel free to add a tiny bit more hummus or that reserved pasta water we saved earlier to bring back that creamy consistency. Enjoy every bite, even as leftovers!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s break down the estimated nutritional information for our creamy hummus pasta! It’s always good to know what’s in the delicious food we’re enjoying, right? Here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But overall, this creamy hummus pasta is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s packed with nutrients! So dig in, knowing you’re treating yourself to something that’s not just tasty but also good for you!
FAQ Section
Got questions about creamy hummus pasta? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get, along with my answers to help you out:
Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works wonderfully in this creamy hummus pasta. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, and you’ll still get that delightful texture and flavor!
What if I don’t have hummus on hand?
No hummus? No problem! You can make a quick substitute by blending cooked chickpeas with a little olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and tahini until smooth. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! This creamy hummus pasta can be easily enhanced with protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas are fantastic options. Just cook them separately, then toss them in with the pasta and hummus sauce!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the hummus sauce while mixing. You can also experiment with spicy hummus varieties for an extra kick!
Is creamy hummus pasta suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Just store leftover portions in airtight containers in the fridge, and you can enjoy a delicious, quick meal throughout the week. Just remember to give it a quick stir and add a splash of water when reheating!
For more information on the health benefits of hummus, check out this Healthline article.
For a delicious twist on pasta, you might also enjoy this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta recipe!
If you’re looking for more quick meal ideas, take a look at this Easy Dinner Recipes page.
Print
Creamy Hummus Pasta: 5 Irresistible Tips for Perfection
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy hummus pasta is a quick and healthy meal option that combines pasta with a rich and flavorful hummus sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup hummus
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Mix in hummus and stir until combined.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the pan.
- Toss the pasta with the hummus sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the consistency with water or pasta water if needed.
- Feel free to add vegetables of your choice.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: creamy hummus pasta, pasta recipes, vegetarian pasta
