I’m so excited to share this Lemony Hummus Pasta with Roasted Broccoli Recipe with you because it’s become one of my go-to weeknight meals that feels both cozy and fresh. It’s perfect when you want something creamy and comforting, but also bright and healthy. If you’ve ever wondered how to use up leftover hummus in a new way, or want a pasta dish that’s packed with vibrant flavors and veggies, this is it. I promise, once you try it, you’ll be hooked just like my family is!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Healthy: Hummus provides a smooth, protein-rich sauce without any cream or cheese.
- Bright & Zesty: Lemon juice and zest add a fresh pop that balances the richness beautifully.
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes with easy steps anyone can follow.
- Roasted Broccoli Magic: Roasting the broccoli brings out a savory depth that pairs perfectly with the lemony pasta.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All these ingredients work together in harmony to create a dish that feels fresh and indulgent without any heaviness. When shopping, be sure to pick a good-quality hummus — whether it’s homemade or store-bought — and fresh broccoli for that crisp roasted texture.
- Broccoli: Choose firm, bright green heads for roasting; this adds a wonderful texture and flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Both for roasting and sautéing — it brings a fruity richness to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate all the flavors.
- Pasta (spaghetti or linguini): Any long pasta works — gluten-free options are great here too.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the sauce with a subtle punch.
- Plain hummus: This is your creamy base — homemade hummus will give an extra fresh flavor, but good store-bought is totally fine.
- Lemon juice: The star ingredient that brightens everything up.
- Lemon zest: Adds extra citrus aroma and texture when sprinkled on top.
Variations
I love how versatile this Lemony Hummus Pasta with Roasted Broccoli Recipe is — it invites you to make it your own depending on what you have in your kitchen or your mood that day.
- Add Protein: I sometimes toss in chickpeas or grilled chicken for an extra boost; it still keeps that comforting feel.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the sauce really wakes it up — I like a little heat!
- Different Veggies: Swap broccoli for roasted cauliflower or Brussels sprouts, or mix in some cherry tomatoes for sweetness.
- Dairy-Free & Vegan: This recipe is already vegan — perfect if you want creamy pasta without dairy.
How to Make Lemony Hummus Pasta with Roasted Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Broccoli to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) — I like to start here so the broccoli can get all tender and golden while you prepare the pasta. Toss your broccoli florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper right in a big bowl. Spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes cleanup so much easier, trust me. Roast for about 20 to 25 minutes, giving them a stir halfway through to get that perfect caramelized edge. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender but still have a little bite, with those lovely browned spots bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Cook Pasta and Reserve Starchy Water
Cook your pasta in a big pot of salted boiling water following the package instructions until al dente — that’s where it still has a bit of chew, which I always prefer. Before draining, scoop out about a cup of that starchy pasta water using a heatproof glass or mug and set it aside. This magical liquid will help you thin out the hummus sauce later without watering it down.
Step 3: Build the Lemon Hummus Sauce
In the same pot you cooked the pasta (less washing, yay!), heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. When it’s shimmering, toss in your minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant — about 30 seconds is perfect here to avoid burning. Then stir in your hummus, lemon juice, and half a cup of the reserved pasta water. Keep stirring until you get a smooth, creamy sauce. If it feels too thick, just add a bit more pasta water, a little at a time, to get that perfect silky consistency.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Toss your cooked pasta right into the sauce pot and stir to coat every strand in that dreamy lemony hummus sauce. Taste it and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Then, transfer the pasta onto plates or into bowls and pile on the roasted broccoli on top. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for that final burst of citrus aroma and flavor. Serve it immediately because this dish is best enjoyed fresh and creamy.
Pro Tips for Making Lemony Hummus Pasta with Roasted Broccoli Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Keep an eye on it so it stays tender-crisp and slightly caramelized, which adds amazing texture to the dish.
- Reserve Enough Pasta Water: The starchy water is the secret to loosening the hummus sauce without watering it down — don’t skip this step!
- Fresh Lemon Zest at the End: Adds a bright, fresh note that turns this from tasty to absolutely irresistible.
- Use Garlic Wisely: Sauté gently and don’t let it burn, or it’ll add bitterness instead of that lovely savory depth.
How to Serve Lemony Hummus Pasta with Roasted Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with thinly sliced fresh basil or chopped parsley sprinkled on top — they add color and a fresh herbal note that complements the lemon beautifully. Sometimes, I also add toasted pine nuts or some chili flakes for texture and a bit of warmth.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad makes a perfect light side, especially one with a tangy vinaigrette to echo the lemon in the pasta. Or, if you’re hungry, a crusty whole grain bread is awesome for sopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this pasta in pretty individual ramekins topped with roasted broccoli arranged like little trees — it makes for a delightful presentation. Adding edible flowers or microgreens sprinkled on top also jazzes it up without changing the flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When resting, the sauce thickens a bit, so before reheating I loosen it up with a splash of water or extra olive oil to bring back that creamy texture.
Freezing
I don’t usually freeze this dish because pasta and hummus sauce textures can change when thawed. But if you want to, freeze the roasted broccoli separately and make the pasta fresh to keep flavors and textures at their best.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently. Microwaving works too, but be sure to add a little liquid and stir halfway through for even heat.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought hummus for this Lemony Hummus Pasta with Roasted Broccoli Recipe?
Absolutely! Both homemade and store-bought plain hummus work well here. Just choose a brand you like and that isn’t too salty. Using hummus you enjoy eating on its own always makes the sauce taste better.
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What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Long pastas like spaghetti or linguini work perfectly because the sauce clings nicely to their shape. That said, you can use any pasta you prefer, including gluten-free varieties, and still get great results.
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How do I prevent the hummus sauce from becoming too thick?
Use some of the reserved pasta water to thin out the hummus gradually. This starchy water helps loosen the sauce while making it extra silky. Just add a little at a time and stir until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
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Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Roasted cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or even sautéed spinach are fantastic additions. Feel free to mix and match veggies that you love or have on hand.
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Is this dish suitable for vegans?
Yes, it’s entirely vegan as it uses hummus for creaminess instead of dairy products, making it a great plant-based pasta option.
Final Thoughts
This Lemony Hummus Pasta with Roasted Broccoli Recipe has become a happy staple for me and my family. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet so simple to whip up, and it always gets compliments. I love sharing it because it’s proof that comfort food can be healthy, bright, and totally satisfying. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do — it’s like a little lemony hug on a plate!
Print
Lemony Hummus Pasta with Roasted Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Lemony Hummus Pasta with Roasted Broccoli is a simple, flavorful vegan dish that combines tender roasted broccoli with creamy hummus-based lemon pasta sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting meal uses everyday ingredients to create a satisfying, healthy dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Roasted Broccoli
- 1¼-1½ pounds broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 12-16 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti or linguini; gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces (1 cup) plain hummus (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the broccoli, which will give it a tender and lightly browned texture.
- Toss Broccoli: In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and salt and pepper to taste, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Roast Broccoli: Spread the coated broccoli out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender and lightly browned.
- Cook Pasta: While broccoli roasts, cook the pasta in a large pot according to package directions until al dente. Carefully reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander. Set pasta aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Using the same pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Sauce: Stir in the hummus, ½ cup reserved pasta water, and lemon juice until a smooth sauce forms.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat every strand. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Add more reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick, adjusting to preferred consistency.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or plates. Top with the roasted broccoli florets and sprinkle with lemon zest for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- This dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for quick weeknight meals.
- Reserving pasta water is essential to achieve the perfect creamy sauce texture when mixing hummus with lemon and garlic.
- You can use leftover homemade hummus or your favorite store-bought variety for convenience.
- For gluten-free options, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free spaghetti or linguini.
- Lemon juice and zest add a fresh brightness that balances the richness of the hummus sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 557 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 268 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 83 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg