TAHINI BROCCOLI PASTA WITH ZESTY LEMON CREAM
Tahini Broccoli Pasta With Zesty Lemon Cream offers a creamy and satisfying experience without any dairy or heavy cream. This vibrant dish blends nutty tahini with zesty lemon juice, salty soy sauce and garlic for a rich sauce that clings beautifully to each spiral of fusilli. Steamed broccoli adds colour, crunch and a nutritious green boost to the plate, rounding out a pasta bowl that feels indulgent yet nourishing. This broccoli pasta is ideal for a quick weekday meal, which is proof that plant-based cooking can be both easy and deeply satisfying. This Tahini Broccoli Pasta With Zesty Lemon Cream is made with minimal ingredients and no complicated techniques. It’s a go-to for busy days when you need a healthy dinner in minutes. Each forkful delivers a balance of creamy texture, fresh vegetables and umami-rich depth, making it a repeat-worthy favourite for vegans and non-vegans alike.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Dinner
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Mediterranean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Steam, Boil, Stir-Fry
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Casual Dinner, Spring, Summer
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan, High Fibre, Low Cholesterol, Quick & Easy, Low Fat
DISH TYPE
Pasta
INGREDIENTS
The following ingredients are required for the preparation of Tahini Broccoli Pasta With Zesty Lemon Cream:
- 140 grams | 4.94 ounces | 1 cup cooked fusilli
- 35 grams | 1.23 ounces | ½ cup steamed broccoli florets
- 15 grams | 0.53 ounces | 1 tablespoon tahini
- 5 milliliters | 0.17 fluid ounces | 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 5 milliliters | 0.17 fluid ounces | 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1.5 grams | 0.05 ounces | ½ garlic clove, grated
- 15 millilitres | 0.51 fluid ounces | 1 tablespoon warm water
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 330 kilocalories
- Protein: 12.8 grams
- Carbohydrate: 50.5 grams
- Sugar: 2.5 grams
- Fibre: 5.3 grams
- Fat: 9.5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1.4 grams
- Sodium: 308 milligrams
- Potassium: 291 milligrams
- Calcium: 108 milligrams
- Iron: 3.05 milligrams
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Tahini Broccoli Pasta With Zesty Lemon Cream:
- Cook The Pasta: Boil fusilli according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of cooking water.
- Steam The Broccoli: Steam the broccoli until bright green and tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make The Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, soy sauce, lemon juice, grated garlic and a tablespoon of warm water. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Combine: In a mixing bowl or pan, toss the cooked pasta and broccoli with the tahini sauce. Add more water, a teaspoon at a time, if the sauce is too thick.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss again until evenly coated.
- Serve: Plate warm with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a wedge of lemon if desired.
PREPARATION TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
15 minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for the preparation of Tahini Broccoli Pasta With Zesty Lemon Cream:
- Smooth Sauce: Use warm water when mixing the tahini to create a softer and silkier sauce that blends easily.
- Fresh Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the sauce and complements the tahini’s richness, so don’t skip it.
- Short On Time: Use pre-steamed broccoli or microwave steam bags for even quicker preparation.
- Mixing Trick: Toss the pasta while it’s still warm so it absorbs more flavour from the sauce.
VARIATIONS
- Add Heat: A pinch of chilli flakes or a drizzle of sriracha adds a spicy kick.
- Protein Boost: Stir in a handful of chickpeas or edamame for more protein and texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and tamari in place of regular soy sauce.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley or coriander adds brightness and a hint of freshness.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigerate Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Freezing: Not ideal for freezing due to the texture change in tahini and pasta, but the sauce alone can be frozen separately.
- Meal Preparation Friendly: Prepare all elements ahead and combine just before eating to retain texture and freshness.