Creamy Lemon Hummus Pasta




Overhead view of creamy lemon hummus pasta in a white rectangular bowl topped with parsley, pine nuts, and lemon zest
Creamy Lemon Hummus Pasta — light, zesty, and loaded with plant-based flavor in every twirl.

Creamy Lemon Hummus Pasta is everything we love about fast, healthy meals—it’s quick, comforting, and irresistibly fresh. With just a few pantry staples and a bright squeeze of lemon, this pasta transforms into a silky, citrusy dish that feels indulgent yet totally wholesome.

Whether you’re short on time or craving something different, this recipe is the perfect go-to. The secret? Hummus. It creates an ultra-creamy, protein-rich sauce without dairy or butter. Add in a bit of pasta water and you’ve got the smoothest lemony coating ever. Plus, garlic and crushed red pepper give it just the right savory edge.

Interestingly, hummus-based pasta sauces have become a popular twist on Italian classics—bringing in Mediterranean flair and plant-based nutrition. This recipe honors that trend with flavor-forward ingredients and simplicity.

So, the next time your dinner plans feel uninspired, try this Creamy Lemon Hummus Pasta. It’s light, satisfying, and loaded with flavor—ready in 20 minutes flat.


Overhead view of creamy lemon hummus pasta in a white rectangular bowl topped with parsley, pine nuts, and lemon zest
Creamy Lemon Hummus Pasta — light, zesty, and loaded with plant-based flavor in every twirl.

Recipe Yield: 2–3 servings

INGREDIENTS

8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
1 cup plain hummus
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup reserved pasta water
¼ cup chopped parsley
2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain.

2. Make the lemon hummus sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the hummus, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until smooth.

3. Combine with pasta:
Add the hot drained pasta directly to the bowl with the hummus sauce. Slowly drizzle in reserved pasta water, tossing as you go, until the sauce is silky and clings to every noodle.

4. Finish and serve:
Fold in fresh parsley, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Plate and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts if using. Serve warm or at room temperature.


HELPFUL TIPS TO PERFECT THIS RECIPE

  • Use high-quality hummus: A creamy, rich hummus makes all the difference—choose one without added sugar or preservatives for best results.
  • Don’t skip the zest: Lemon zest brings intense citrus aroma that balances the creaminess of the hummus.
  • Reserve pasta water: The starchy pasta water helps loosen the hummus and binds the sauce to the noodles beautifully.