Pasta E Ceci(Pasta And Chickpeas)
A hearty Italian pasta and chickpeas dish featuring aromatic herbs, tomatoes, and a rich broth, perfect for comforting meals and versatile for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 19 oz. can chickpeas, drained ⓘ
- 1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried crumbled rosemary ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage ⓘ
- 3/4 cup canned Italian peeled plum tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- 3 cups homemade beef broth or 1 cup canned broth, diluted with 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1/4 pound stubby pasta (ditalini, orzo, small shells, etc.) ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Put oil and chopped onion in a large saucepan.
- Turn heat to medium. When onion becomes pale, add minced garlic, dried crumbled rosemary, and dried sage. Stir once or twice.
- When garlic becomes very pale, add drained canned tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
- Add drained chickpeas and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan and stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the chickpeas before adding them to the pot. If you don't have ditalini or orzo, small shells work just as well. Feel free to adjust the herbs according to your preference; thyme or oregano would also be delicious. Using homemade beef broth enhances the flavor, but store-bought is convenient and effective.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pasta E Ceci with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements this dish beautifully. You can also sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving. For a heartier option, try pairing it with Beef Stew Italiano for a comforting Italian dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Pasta E Ceci can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the pot to loosen the pasta, as it may thicken when stored. Heat on low until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta E Ceci(Pasta And Chickpeas) contains roughly 1099 calories, with 18g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (110% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1126mg per serving (49% 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 them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the recipe. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
What if I don't have beef broth?
If you don't have beef broth, you can substitute with vegetable broth or chicken broth. Diluting store-bought broth with water is also an option to control the saltiness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make Pasta E Ceci vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and omit any meat-based ingredients. The chickpeas provide plenty of protein, making it a satisfying meal.
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).