Za’atar has been a staple in my life since childhood, and I’m always dreaming up new ways to cook with it. This creamy za’atar pasta is one of those happy experiments that just works. I think you’ll love it!
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 5 minutes.
Cook Time: 15 minutes
How Many Servings?
6 servings
This pasta wasn’t part of my childhood, but the flavors are. One evening, craving comfort and inspired by a simple video, I stirred yogurt into hot noodles and sprinkled in za’atar—my favorite flavor, the one that always brings me home.
Za’atar reminds me of school mornings in Jordan—flatbread, olive oil, my mother’s hands. So when I mixed it into this creamy dish, it wasn’t just dinner. It was a memory meeting the present. This recipe is fast, comforting, and full of soul. A modern meal with ancestral flavor—for busy days and open hearts.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish hits all the right notes—flavorful, flexible, and fast. Here’s why it’s one of my go-to meals:
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Done in just 20 minutes
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Easy to add protein—try shrimp, grilled chicken, or lamb meatballs
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Works with any pasta shape you love
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Great for meal prep and next-day leftovers
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Za’atar adds a unique herby depth that keeps it exciting
Ingredients for Creamy Za’atar Pasta
Everything you need to make this rich and tangy Mediterranean pasta—simple, fresh, and full of flavor.
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Pasta (fusilli, penne, or spaghetti): I used 100% durum wheat semolina spaghetti, and it was divine—perfectly chewy and holding the sauce beautifully.
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Extra virgin olive oil is rich and peppery, and it pairs beautifully with za’atar. Stick with olive oil here instead of butter to keep the Mediterranean flavor true and balanced.
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Garlic cloves, minced – For that subtle depth and warmth.
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Plain Greek yogurt – Creamy, tangy, and the base of our luscious sauce.
Tahini: Nutty, smooth sesame paste that adds richness and depth to the yogurt sauce.
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Za’atar – I used a classic za’atar spice mix, but if you have pure za’atar leaves, feel free to use those—just make sure they’re finely ground for even flavor distribution. Add a little extra on top before serving—it’s the star of the show.
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Zest of 1 lemon – Adds brightness and a zippy lift.
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Crumbled feta cheese (optional) – Salty, creamy, and adds another layer of flavor if you like.
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A pinch of sumac – For a pop of color and a tangy finish.
What to Serve with Creamy Za’atar Pasta
This pasta pairs beautifully with fresh, vibrant sides. Try it alongside a crisp fattoush salad or a classic Greek salad for a refreshing contrast. For something heartier, serve it with grilled lamb chops or a spiced lentil salad to round out a full Mediterranean-inspired meal. The flavors are flexible and made to mix and match!
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that once chilled, the creamy yogurt sauce may firm up a bit. To bring it back to life, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of reserved pasta water or a little warm water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm and creamy again.
Love Za’atar? Explore More Recipes
If you’re as obsessed with za’atar as I am, here are a few more delicious ways to enjoy it:
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[How to Make Za’atar at Home] – Blend your own fresh, fragrant mix in minutes.
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[Manakish (Za’atar Flatbread)] – A Levantine classic that’s crisp, herby, and addictive.
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[Cornish Hens with Za’atar and Sumac] – Tender, tangy, and full of bold flavor.
- [Za’atar Kale Chips] – Light, crunchy, and the perfect savory snack with a Middle Eastern twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep & Cook the Pasta
Then, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water to help with the sauce later. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic & Za’atar
Make the Sauce
Toss & Finish
Serve:
Creamy za’atar pasta made with Greek yogurt, garlic, and a sprinkle of lemon zest—ready in just 20 minutes! This simple Mediterranean dish is rich, tangy, and endlessly versatile. Add your favorite protein or keep it vegetarian—it’s delicious either way!
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 5 minutes.
Cook Time: 15 minutes
How Many Servings?
6 servings
Ingredients:
| 1 lb pasta (fusilli, penne, or spaghetti) | |
| 4 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for drizzling) | |
| 3 garlic cloves, minced | |
| 1 1/4 plain greek yogurt | |
| 2 tablespoons za’atar (plus more for topping) | |
| 2 tablespoons tainini sauce | |
| 1 lemon zest | |
| 1/4 cup crumbeld feta cheese | |
| 1 tablespoon sumac | |
| salt and pepper to taste |
Preparation
Start by prepping your ingredients—mince the garlic, zest the lemon, and measure everything out for a smoother cooking process. Then, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water to help with the sauce later. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown. Then stir in the za’atar and cook for another minute to release its aroma and deepen the flavor.
Lower the heat and stir in the yogurt, tahini sauce, za’atar, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of reserved pasta water—start with ½ cup—and stir gently until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add more water as needed to loosen the consistency without thinning the flavor.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it in the sauce, stirring well to coat every piece with creamy goodness. Stir in the lemon zest and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit more pasta water to loosen it up.
Plate the pasta and drizzle with a little olive oil. Sprinkle with sumac and feta. Add a bit of lemon zest for a burst of brightness, if desired.
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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Tried This Recipe? Let Me Know!I’d love to hear how your creamy za’atar pasta turned out! Did you add a twist or serve it with something special? Leave a comment below and share your version—I always enjoy seeing how you bring these recipes to life in your kitchen!