Introduction
Hey there, food enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful dish to add to your recipe repertoire, chickpea and pasta recipes are a must-try. Combining the heartiness of chickpeas with the comforting texture of pasta, these dishes offer a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these recipes are perfect for you. So, let’s dive right in and explore seven delectable chickpea and pasta recipes that will surely tantalize your taste buds.
1. Creamy Chickpea Alfredo Pasta 🍝
Indulge in a guilt-free pasta night with this creamy chickpea Alfredo pasta recipe. The combination of chickpeas, garlic, and nutritional yeast creates a velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta. You won’t believe it’s dairy-free!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | Cooked chickpeas |
| 4 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 1/4 cup | Nutritional yeast |
| 1 cup | Vegetable broth |
| 1/2 cup | Almond milk |
| 1/4 cup | Extra virgin olive oil |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| 12 oz | Fettuccini pasta |
| Fresh parsley | For garnish |
First, cook the fettuccini pasta according to the package instructions. In a blender, combine the cooked chickpeas, minced garlic, nutritional yeast, vegetable broth, almond milk, and extra virgin olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. Heat the sauce in a large skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well-coated. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
2. Spicy Chickpea and Tomato Penne 🌶️🍅
If you crave a bit of heat in your pasta, this spicy chickpea and tomato penne recipe will surely satisfy your spicy cravings. The combination of juicy tomatoes, aromatic spices, and protein-packed chickpeas makes this dish a winner.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | Cooked chickpeas |
| 1 can | Diced tomatoes |
| 1/2 cup | Tomato paste |
| 1/4 cup | Chopped fresh basil |
| 1/4 teaspoon | Red pepper flakes |
| 1/2 teaspoon | Dried oregano |
| 3 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 2 tablespoons | Olive oil |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| 12 oz | Penne pasta |
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the cooked chickpeas, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped fresh basil, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked penne pasta and toss until well-combined. Serve hot and enjoy the spicy goodness!
3. Lemon Chickpea Orzo Salad 🍋
For a refreshing and tangy twist, this lemon chickpea orzo salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish. The zesty lemon dressing brings out the flavors of the chickpeas and orzo, creating a delightful medley of textures and tastes.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | Cooked chickpeas |
| 1 cup | Cooked orzo pasta |
| 1/4 cup | Chopped fresh parsley |
| 1/4 cup | Chopped fresh dill |
| 1/4 cup | Chopped red onion |
| 2 tablespoons | Extra virgin olive oil |
| 2 tablespoons | Fresh lemon juice |
| 1 teaspoon | Lemon zest |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chickpeas, cooked orzo pasta, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh dill, and chopped red onion. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until well-coated. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy the zingy flavors!
4. Chickpea Pasta Soup with Spinach and Tomatoes 🥣
When the weather calls for something warm and comforting, this chickpea pasta soup with spinach and tomatoes is here to save the day. Packed with wholesome ingredients, this soup is nourishing, delicious, and perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | Cooked chickpeas |
| 4 cups | Vegetable broth |
| 1 can | Diced tomatoes |
| 2 cups | Spinach leaves |
| 1 cup | Small pasta shells |
| 1 onion | Diced |
| 3 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 2 tablespoons | Olive oil |
| 1 teaspoon | Dried oregano |
| 1/2 teaspoon | Red pepper flakes |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent. Then, add the cooked chickpeas, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the small pasta shells separately according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and add it to the soup along with the spinach leaves. Stir until the spinach wilts. Serve hot and cozy up with a bowl of this comforting soup.
5. Roasted Red Pepper and Chickpea Pasta 🌶️🍝
For a burst of flavor and a hint of spice, this roasted red pepper and chickpea pasta recipe is a winner. The smoky and slightly sweet roasted red pepper sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chickpeas and al dente pasta.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | Cooked chickpeas |
| 2 roasted red peppers | Seeded and peeled |
| 1/4 cup | Roasted almonds |
| 1/4 cup | Plain Greek yogurt |
| 3 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 2 tablespoons | Olive oil |
| 1 teaspoon | Dried basil |
| 1/2 teaspoon | Red pepper flakes |
| 12 oz | Penne pasta |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | For serving |
In a blender, combine the roasted red peppers, roasted almonds, plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth and creamy. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. In a large skillet, heat the roasted red pepper sauce over medium heat. Add the cooked chickpeas and cooked penne pasta. Toss until well-coated. Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Chickpea and Mushroom Rigatoni 🍄
If you’re a fan of earthy flavors, this chickpea and mushroom rigatoni will surely win your heart. The combination of meaty mushrooms, tender chickpeas, and flavorful herbs creates a satisfying pasta dish that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | Cooked chickpeas |
| 8 oz | Cremini mushrooms, sliced |
| 1 onion | Diced |
| 4 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 2 tablespoons | Olive oil |
| 1/4 cup | Chopped fresh parsley |
| 1/4 cup | Chopped fresh basil |
| 1/2 teaspoon | Dried thyme |
| 1/2 cup | Vegetable broth |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| 12 oz | Rigatoni pasta |
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown. Stir in the cooked chickpeas, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh basil, dried thyme, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. In the meantime, cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the chickpea and mushroom mixture. Toss until well-combined. Serve hot and enjoy the hearty flavors!
7. One-Pot Chickpea Bolognese with Linguine 🍝
For a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this one-pot chickpea Bolognese with linguine is the perfect choice. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas and a flavorful tomato-based sauce, this dish will satisfy your cravings without the fuss of multiple pots and pans.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | Cooked chickpeas |
| 1 onion | Diced |
| 4 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 1 carrot | Grated |
| 1 can | Diced tomatoes |
| 1/4 cup | Tomato paste |
| 1/4 cup | Chopped fresh basil |
| 1/4 teaspoon | Dried oregano |
| 1/2 cup | Vegetable broth |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |