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    Home » Pasta & Noodles

    Published: Feb 11, 2020 · Modified: May 7, 2020 by Libby Bloom · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments · 916 words. · About 5 minutes to read this article.

    Date night pasta with hummus cream sauce and gremolata

    Jump to Recipe

    Date Night Pasta - A zesty vegan date night pasta recipe featuring a creamy hummus sauce and a mint and lemon gremolata. A super simple date night recipe ready in 30 minutes.

    vegan date night pasta

    Vegan pasta dishes are often unbalanced, containing very little protein (if any). So I set out to create a delicious vegan pasta recipe featuring hummus and lots of spring veggies.

    I decided to use hummus (instead of cheese/milk/cream) as the sauce and it turned out great. Creamy, tasty and plant-based! 

    Hi there! Below you’ll find affiliate links to great products that we enjoy using in our own kitchen. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    vegan date night pasta

    This Date Night Pasta is super easy, you just need a single pot and 30 minutes. That’s it. Seriously so easy and fancy enough for an at-home date night.

    And definitely don’t skip out on the zesty gremolata - the punch of flavor that really elevates this dish. It adds a little spice, freshness and zest. Feel free to make extra and pile it on. 

    vegan date night pasta

    How to make Date Night Pasta

    1 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to the package directions. Once al dente, remove from heat and drain. Set aside. 

    2 - Prepare gremolata. Mince garlic, zest lemon, finely chop mint, chop walnuts and combine in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. 

    3 - Make hummus sauce. Heat the large pot that you cooked the pasta in over medium heat. Add olive oil and garlic, saute garlic until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Add hummus, water, artichoke liquid and salt. Stir until creamy.

    Return pasta to the pot and stir until pasta is fully coated in sauce. Stir in artichokes, spinach, peas and red pepper flakes. Remove from heat. 

    4 - Serve pasta with a spoonful of the zesty gremolata and enjoy!

    Date Night Pasta: Tips, Tricks and Tools

    Tools: You’ll need a large pot to cook the pasta, and a sharp knife and cutting board

    Reduce waste: Use the zest of a lemon that you previously juiced or save the juice for another recipe. 

    Additions: Feel free to add some Parmesan cheese (vegan or regular) to serve. Chicken would be a great addition, but would (obviously) make this not vegan. 

    Hummus: You can use store-bought hummus (I like to use a simple garlic hummus) or make your own!

    vegan date night pasta

    We hope you love this simple Date Night Pasta!

    It’s quick, simple enough for a weeknight meal, but fancy enough for a date night at home!

    Love this simple pasta recipe? Check out our other delicious pasta recipes like this One-Skillet Mediterranean Orzo or our One-Pot Mediterranean Pasta.

    Did you enjoy this Date Night Pasta as much as we do?

    Comment below! And rate the recipe to let us know how it turned out! Not cooking today? Save this Date Night Pasta for later by pinning it to your Healthy Pasta Recipes Board and make sure to tag us on Instagram @crooked.carrot to show us your Date Night Pasta creations!

    vegan date night pasta

    Date night pasta with hummus cream sauce and zesty gremolata

    Date Night Pasta - A zesty vegan date night pasta recipe featuring a creamy hummus sauce and a mint and lemon gremolata. A super simple date night recipe ready in 30 minutes.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Author: The Crooked Carrot

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound pasta rigatoni/gemelli
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 cup hummus homemade/store-bought
    • 1 cup water
    • 1 (12-14 ounce) jar artichokes + ½ liquid from jar
    • 1 cup English peas thawed
    • 1 handful baby spinach
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

    Zesty Gremolata

    • ¼ cup walnuts chopped
    • 1 cup mint finely chopped
    • 1 lemon zested
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • salt + pepper freshly ground to taste
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
    • While the pasta is cooking, prepare the gremolata. Combine minced garlic, chopped mint and walnuts and lemon zest in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
    • Make sauce: In the same pot that you cooked the pasta, add olive oil and set over medium-low heat. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Add hummus, water and artichoke liquid, stir until creamy.
    • Add veggies: Return pasta to the pot and stir until the pasta is coated in the sauce. Stir in artichokes, spinach, peas, salt and red pepper flakes.
    • Serve pasta with a big spoonful of the Zesty Gremolata. Enjoy!

    Equipment

    • Stainless Steel Pot
    • Chef's Knife
    • Wood Cutting Board

    Notes

    PREP AHEAD: Though this pasta recipe is best served fresh, it can be prepared in advance. Store the pasta and gremolata separately and add a bit of water when reheating to ensure the sauce is nice and creamy. 
    LEFTOVERS/STORAGE: Store leftovers (pasta and gremolata separately) in the fridge in a glass container for 3-5 days. Add a little water before reheating to make the sauce creamy again. 
    NUTRITION NOTES: This pasta dish is a balanced meal utilizing delicious spring veggies. It’s high in fiber and made with plant based protein so it’s vegan!
    SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Though this is a balanced meal on its own, feel free to pair your favorite side salad with it.

    Nutrition

    Carbohydrates: 105g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 550mg | Potassium: 657mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1551IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 5mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @crooked.carrot or tag #thecrookedcarrot!

    Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that should you purchase something through the link, The Crooked Carrot will receive a small commission. The item cost remains the same regardless of whether you purchase through our link or not. Any commission earned simply helps us continue to provide all our great content to you. From seasonal recipes to simple nutrition insights & sustainable zero waste tips, we have lots more to give!

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    About Libby

    Welcome! I'm Libby, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, photographer & co-adventurer with my husband Dalton. We love all things outdoors, making a mess in the kitchen, and exploring the adventure of life! Read more ↠

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    Comments

    1. Christine says

      September 19, 2021 at 12:04 am

      5 stars
      Wonderful flavors, packed well for a picnic and easy to make. Thank you for sharing the recipe, I will pass it along.

      Reply
      • Libby Bloom says

        September 21, 2021 at 2:12 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply

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    Libby Bloom RDN

    Hi, I'm Libby! Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Eco-warrior. I help people find food freedom, learn to nourish their bodies AND support a health planet.

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