Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

If you’re craving something creamy, cozy, and absolutely packed with flavor — this Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta is about to be your new go-to. What makes it extra special? A spoonful of lemon garlic hummus (or your favorite Mediterranean-style garlic dip). It’s the shortcut to a silky, citrusy sauce that tastes like you spent way more time on it than you actually did.

rigatoni in a lemon cream sauce in a pan topped with Parmesan cheese

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe

Comes together in 20 minutes
Uses simple ingredients you probably have on hand
Packs in bold lemon, garlic, and Parmesan flavor
Secret ingredient: hummus makes the sauce rich and creamy with no roux required
Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or when you just want something comforting but fresh

🛒 Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta with Hummus

rigatoni, or other pasta shape
olive oil
1 shallot, minced
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
lemon garlic hummus (or any garlicky Mediterranean dip)
heavy cream
Zest of 1 lemon
lemon juice
butter
Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley or basil, for garnish

💡 Lemon garlic hummus melts into the sauce like magic, giving it a tangy, velvety finish without any added effort.

creamy lemon sauce on rigatoni on a fork

🍝 How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the shallot, minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown!).

Step 3: Add your Dip of choice

Lower the heat and stir in the hummus. Once combined add in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until warmed through and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese

Add Parmesan cheese and stir to melt. Use a splash of pasta water to thin out the sauce to your preferred consistency.

Step 5: Toss the Pasta

Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat every piece. Add in butter and stir. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Add more parm cheese.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Top with fresh herbs, more Parmesan, and an extra squeeze of lemon if you’re into that bright punch.

What Makes This Lemon Garlic Pasta Unique?

Instead of making a traditional butter-flour roux or loading up on cheese, this recipe gets its rich, creamy texture and zesty garlic flavor from hummus. It’s:

A great way to use up leftover hummus in a totally new way
Naturally creamy and dairy-optional
Packed with Mediterranean flavor

Tips & Variations

Try roasted garlic hummus for a deeper flavor or spicy hummus for extra kick.
Add sautéed spinach, blistered tomatoes, or grilled chicken for a full meal.
Use penne, fusilli, or farfalle if rigatoni’s not on hand.

🕒 Serving Size and Time Breakdown:

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

FAQ: Hummus Lemon Garlic Pasta

Can I use plain hummus instead of lemon garlic?

Yes! Just add extra lemon juice and a pinch of garlic powder to mimic the flavor.

Can I make this without cream?

You can use full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened oat cream for a dairy-free version.

How long will leftovers keep?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.

What kind of dip other than hummus should or can I use for this pasta recipe

For the best flavor, use lemon garlic hummus or a Mediterranean-style garlic dip (I used Anne Toum’s garlic dips and spreads) These varieties add bright citrus and savory garlic notes that balance the creaminess perfectly. If you only have plain hummus, just add a bit of lemon juice and garlic powder to boost the flavor.

What’s the best pasta shape for creamy sauces?

Rigatoni is ideal because its ridges and hollow center trap the sauce perfectly. But you can also use: Penne, Shells or Fusilli or even Fettuccine for a more traditional creamy pasta feel.

Is this lemon garlic pasta recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! It holds up well in the fridge, especially if you leave out fresh herbs until serving. Store sauce and pasta separately for best results, and add a splash of liquid when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.

This creamy lemon garlic rigatoni is loaded with zesty citrus, Parmesan, and the bold Mediterranean flavor a garlic lemon hummus or dip. It’s a quick, crave-worthy pasta recipe with a garlicky twist that makes every bite unforgettable.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 4

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Servings 2

Ingredients

6-8 oz rigatoni pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 shallot minced
2 cloves garlic minced
½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
¼ cup Lemon Garlic Hummus or Dip
⅓ cup heavy cream
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp butter
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for topping
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shallot, garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in your hummus or dip of choice and stir until combined. Add in heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let it gently simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth. Use a splash of pasta water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
Add the rigatoni to the sauce and toss until fully coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Plate the pasta, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs, and finish with an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.