Chickpeas With Pasta
A hearty, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chickpeas, garlic, oregano, and a touch of tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour all contents from the chickpeas can, including liquid, into a 6 or 8-cup saucepan.
- Add 3 cups water, slit garlic cloves, salt, pepper, olive oil, spaghetti sauce, and oregano to the saucepan.
- Simmer until chickpeas are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Cook pasta separately in boiling water until al dente and drain well.
- Add cooked pasta to the chickpea mixture.
- Let simmer together for another 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding some chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving. For a protein boost, you can incorporate cooked chicken or shrimp. If you don't have linguini or spaghettini, any pasta shape will work. You can also replace olive oil with avocado oil for a different taste. If you want a creamier texture, stir in a dollop of hummus or Greek yogurt at the end.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. For a Mediterranean twist, consider serving it alongside Lemony Steamed Fish or incorporating it into a broader Mediterranean recipes spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chickpeas With Pasta contains roughly 282 calories, with 9g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (205% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (152% of the Daily Value), and calcium (123% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1779mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried chickpeas! Soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as dried chickpeas will require longer to cook than canned ones.
What can I do if I want a spicier version?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers into the chickpea mixture. You can also serve with a spicy harissa sauce on the side for those who enjoy a kick in their meal.
Is this dish suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This recipe is entirely plant-based, making it perfect for vegan diets. Just ensure that any additional toppings or sides are also vegan-friendly, such as using a dairy-free cheese alternative if desired.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).