Pasta And Ceci(Chickpeas)
A hearty Italian-inspired pasta and chickpea stew with savory tomato sauce, tender vegetables, and melty cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, heat oil and brown the chopped onion and celery until tender.
- Add the tomato puree and water to the saucepan and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the mixture for about 1 hour to develop flavors.
- Add the canned chickpeas and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, boil the noodles until al dente, then drain.
- Add the cooked noodles to the chickpea sauce and stir to combine.
- Top with grated Italian cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like rosemary or thyme while simmering the sauce. If you're short on time, you can use canned tomatoes instead of puree. Substitute any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne or fusilli. This dish works well with additional vegetables, so feel free to toss in some spinach or kale for added nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pasta and Ceci with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or pair with a simple salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. This dish pairs beautifully with Garlicky Breadsticks for a comforting Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the saucepan to prevent sticking and heat over medium until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta And Ceci(Chickpeas) contains roughly 607 calories, with 13g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 936mg per serving (41% 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, but you'll need to soak and cook them ahead of time. Soak them overnight, then boil until tender before adding to the sauce. This will take significantly longer but will enhance the flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of Italian cheese?
If you don't have Italian cheese, try using Parmesan or any hard cheese you enjoy. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the cheese you use, if any, is plant-based. You can also enhance the dish with vegan pesto for added flavor.
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).