Pasta & Ceci
A hearty and flavorful pasta and chickpea dish featuring tomato, herbs, and garlic, perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal that appeals to all tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute diced celery, onion, and minced garlic in olive oil until tender.
- Add tomato sauce, water, bay leaves, and seasonings; cook for 10 minutes.
- Add ceci beans and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Cook small pasta until al dente, drain, and add to the chickpea mixture.
- Add chopped parsley and basil, then sprinkle with grated Romano cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding diced carrots or spinach along with the onions and celery. If you prefer a vegetarian version, ensure your tomato sauce is free of animal products. You can substitute ceci beans with other beans such as cannellini or garbanzo if needed. To enhance the flavor, a splash of balsamic vinegar can be added at the end.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pasta & Ceci with a side of crusty bread, such as Bread Machine Italian Bread, to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad with Sweet-Sour Italian Dressing would complement the meal nicely. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some grated Romano cheese over the top just before serving.
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 pasta and chickpea mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta & Ceci contains roughly 1277 calories, with 9g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 122g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (156% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 18g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this Pasta & Ceci gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer excellent alternatives that cook similarly to traditional pasta. Just be sure to check the cooking times, as gluten-free pasta may require different cooking durations.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
To boost the protein content, consider adding cooked chicken, turkey, or even sautéed tofu before mixing in the pasta. This addition will make the dish more filling while still allowing the flavors of the chickpeas and sauce to shine.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Pasta & Ceci is ideal for meal prep. Prepare a larger batch and divide it into individual portions. Just remember to undercook the pasta slightly if you plan to reheat it later, as it will continue cooking when warmed up again.
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).