Hummus Pasta: A Creamy, Quick, and Delicious Dinner Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and utterly delicious dinner recipe, look no further than Hummus Pasta. This dish combines the creamy richness of hummus with the earthy flavors of sautéed mushrooms and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves a good meal, this recipe is a game-changer. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

In this post, we’ll dive deep into the recipe, explore its origins, and provide tips to make the best Hummus Pasta possible. Plus, we’ll cover substitutions, storage tips, and nutritional information to ensure you have everything you need to master this dish.

Why You’ll Love This Hummus Pasta Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Creamy and Flavorful: The hummus creates a luscious, velvety sauce that coats every bite of pasta.
Versatile: Use your favorite pasta shape, homemade or store-bought hummus, and customize with additional veggies or proteins.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this dish is as wholesome as it is delicious.

Ingredients for Hummus Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy Hummus Pasta:

12 ounces pasta (rigatoni, penne, or your favorite shape)
1 pound mushrooms (sliced thin)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
1 clove garlic (grated)
2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
1 heaping cup hummus (homemade or store-bought)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use about 3 quarts of water and 1 ½ tablespoons of salt for 12 ounces of pasta.
Cook the pasta until al dente, following the package instructions.
Reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help create a silky sauce.

Pro Tip: Start cooking the pasta about 10 minutes into cooking the mushrooms to save time.

2. Cook the Mushrooms

Clean and slice the mushrooms into thin pieces (about 4mm thick).
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the mushrooms, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Sauté for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown and tender.

3. Make the Hummus Sauce

Add 1 heaping cup of hummus and 1 cup of reserved pasta water to the skillet with the mushrooms.
Stir well and cook on low heat until the hummus becomes creamy and smooth.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Turn off the heat and add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
Toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.
For an extra touch of flavor, add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese (optional).

Tips for the Best Hummus Pasta

Use High-Quality Hummus: Whether homemade or store-bought, the hummus is the star of this dish. Opt for a smooth, creamy hummus for the best results.
Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is key to creating a silky, cohesive sauce.
Customize Your Veggies: While mushrooms are a classic choice, you can add spinach, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Experiment with Pasta Shapes: Rigatoni works wonderfully, but feel free to use penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make Ahead: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the hummus can dry out over time. However, you can prep the ingredients in advance to save time.
Fridge Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep a cup of reserved pasta water to reheat the dish.
Reheating: Warm the pasta in a skillet with a splash of pasta water and a dollop of fresh hummus. Stir until creamy and heated through.
Freezing: This recipe is not suitable for freezing due to the hummus sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
Hummus: Try flavored hummus, such as roasted red pepper or garlic hummus, for a twist.
Mushrooms: Substitute with zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers if you’re not a fan of mushrooms.
Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.

Nutritional Benefits of Hummus Pasta

This Hummus Pasta recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients:

High in Protein: Hummus and pasta provide a good amount of plant-based protein.
Rich in Fiber: Mushrooms and whole-grain pasta add fiber, promoting digestive health.
Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals: Mushrooms are a great source of B vitamins, while hummus provides iron, magnesium, and healthy fats.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 469kcal
Carbohydrates: 76g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 5g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! This recipe works well with penne, ziti, spaghetti, or any pasta shape you prefer.

2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
It’s already vegan! Just skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.

3. What can I use instead of mushrooms?
Try zucchini, eggplant, or roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.

4. How do I prevent the hummus sauce from drying out?
Use plenty of reserved pasta water to keep the sauce creamy. Reheat with a splash of water or fresh hummus if needed.

Final Thoughts

Hummus Pasta is a modern twist on classic pasta dishes, combining the creamy texture of hummus with the hearty flavors of mushrooms and pasta. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly versatile, making it a perfect addition to your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish is sure to impress.