Creamy, dreamy, quick, and easy—this pasta dish delivers all the comfort food feels with a surprising twist: hummus! Hummus, a chickpea-based dip or spread, adds a luscious, velvety texture (no dairy needed!) and packs a punch of nutrition with plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

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DELICIOUS! Definitely adding to our regular meal rotation. Preparation was easy. The dish was creamy but heathy and so flavorful!

Ricki
(5 stars) 11 ratings
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The beauty of this dish is its simplicity and flexibility— you can create a wholesome meal with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. It all comes together in one casserole dish, making both prep and cleanup a breeze. From start to finish, this recipe allows you to enjoy the process without the usual kitchen mess.

You can use your go-to store-bought hummus or make your own from scratch (it’s easier than you think! Check out my Lentil Hummus and Edamame Hummus recipes). If you’re a fan of a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for that extra kick. Plus, you can tweak the consistency of the sauce—if you like it thinner, just add a splash of pasta water or broth. You are quite literally the boss of your yummy sauce! 

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming! With this delicious hummus pasta bake, you can embrace simplicity while still serving up a meal that everyone will love. It’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even prepping for the week ahead—this recipe is all about the joy of easy, nutritious cooking.

Creating dishes that impress without the stress is truly my passion. I make this pasta bake along with my Baked Penne Alla Vodka and Spinach Artichoke Dip Pasta Bake all the time, and let me tell you, I always get rave reviews! Trust me, your family and friends will be begging for seconds!

P.S. This recipe inspired me to create a version in a spaghetti squash… If you haven’t tried it yet, I recommend you check it out!

Want more hummus? Try my Beet Hummus!

(5 stars) 11 ratings

Penne alla Hummus

Creamy, dreamy, quick, and easy—this pasta dish delivers all the comfort food feels with a surprising twist: hummus!
Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 pints grape or cherry tomatoes, ~4 cups total
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced into ½ to 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 8 to 10 ounces roasted pepper hummus, ~1 ¼ cups
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1 (14-ounce) box penne, cooked and drained
  • Fresh basil, thinly sliced, for optional garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat oven to 375℉.
  • Drizzle the olive oil along the bottom of a 9×13 (3 quarts) oven-proof casserole pan. Add tomatoes, garlic, bell pepper, Italian seasoning and salt, and mix until everything is well combined. Make a small well in the center and add roasted red pepper hummus.
  • Cook for 30 to 35 minutes or until tomatoes start to burst and peppers start to caramelize.
  • Meanwhile, prepare pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 2/3 cup of starchy pasta water (this is in case you’d like to add some to your final sauce for a moister consistency). Drain pasta and set aside.
  • Remove pan from oven when done cooking, and using the back of a wooden spoon, smash tomatoes, garlic, and peppers, incorporating them into the hummus to create a creamy sauce.
  • Add the cooked pasta in small batches, and mix until well coated (you will not need the entire box of pasta; I typically use only ¾ of the box for a saucier finish) adding a splash of cooking liquid if needed for extra moisture.
  • Garnish with fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes for heat, and optional cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

I love using whole-grain or legume-based pasta to increase the fiber and nutrition. I went with Barilla Protein Plus here, which is reflected in the nutrition.
I kept this cheese-free so it’s vegan, but feta or goat cheese can be a delicious garnish on top, along with herbs.
The basil adds a nice brightness, but fresh parsley would work well, too.
Feel free to change up the flavor of your hummus. I use roasted red pepper to complement the added bell pepper pieces, but any favorite variety will be delicious.
Save some starchy pasta water in case you need to add some extra moisture to the sauce.
This will last in an air-tight container for 3-4 days in fridge.
Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN

Nutrition Information per serving

Serving Size: 2cupsCalories: 350Carbohydrates: 45gProtein: 13gTotal Fat: 14g— Unsaturated Fat: 11.5g— Saturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 540mgPotassium: 677mgFiber: 8gTotal Sugar: 5g— Natural Sugar: 5g— Added Sugar: 0gVitamin C: 40mgIron: 4mg
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
I’m hoping you loved this recipe! If you made it and want to share feedback, I’d be so grateful to hear from you. Please leave a review below or tag @joybauer on Instagram!