Chickpea Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Strainer (to drain pasta)
- Skillet (for cooking sauces or additional ingredients)
- Mixing spoon
- Knife and cutting board (for veggies or garnishes)
Ingredients
- 8 oz about 2 cups of chickpea pasta (such as Banza or a similar brand)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic: minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 can: 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted for added flavor)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth: or chicken broth for non-vegans
- 1/2 tsp crushed red chili flakes: optional, for a spicy kick
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast: for a cheesy flavor, or you can use Parmesan if not vegan
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Cook
- Prepare a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add your chickpea pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Chickpea pasta tends to cook a bit faster than traditional pasta, usually in about 6-8 minutes. Be sure not to overcook it, as chickpea pasta can become mushy if left in the water too long.
- Once done, drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until warm. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to prevent burning by stirring frequently.
- Next, add the diced tomatoes (including their juices), vegetable broth, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes if you're using them. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, giving the flavors time to blend and the sauce to thicken.
Add Nutritional Yeast (or Cheese)
- To give the sauce a creamy, cheesy flavor, stir in the nutritional yeast. This ingredient is a great alternative to Parmesan if you’re keeping the dish vegan. If you prefer, you can substitute with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Toss the Pasta with the Sauce
- Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, add the cooked chickpea pasta to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water or more broth to loosen it up.
Customize and Serve
- At this point, feel free to add any optional ingredients, like grilled chicken, vegan sausage, or roasted vegetables. Toss everything together and taste, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the meal hot, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of extra nutritional yeast or Parmesan. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal!
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