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Pasta with Chickpeas

Pasta with Chickpeas
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Pasta with Chickpeas is a warm, comforting, and nutritious Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender pasta and hearty chickpeas tossed in a flavorful blend of garlic, herbs, olive oil, and a hint of lemon. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is protein-packed, versatile, and perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Legumes

  • 200g penne or spaghetti pasta (or gluten-free alternative)
  • 1 can (about 400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Aromatics and Seasonings

  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh Herbs and Finishing Touches

  • Handful fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Optional garnishes: grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese, toasted pine nuts, lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain, reserving about a cup of pasta water for later.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  3. Add Chickpeas: Drain and rinse chickpeas, then toss them into the skillet. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp on the outside.
  4. Combine Pasta and Chickpeas: Transfer the cooked pasta to the skillet with chickpeas. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to help bind the sauce and coat the pasta beautifully.
  5. Finish with Freshness: Turn off the heat and stir in chopped fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, and season generously with salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste, then give one last toss before serving.

Notes

  • Reserve a splash of pasta water to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
  • Toast chickpeas slightly for added texture and a light golden crispness.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil for bright and fresh flavor.
  • Be careful not to overcook garlic to avoid bitterness; sauté until just golden.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes gradually to control the spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pasta with chickpeas, vegan pasta recipe, quick Mediterranean dinner, protein-packed pasta, easy chickpea recipe, gluten-free pasta dish

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/pasta-with-chickpeas/