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Garlic Chickpea Tomato Pasta

Garlic Chickpea Tomato Pasta

Garlic Chickpea Tomato Pasta is a quick, easy, and nutritious vegetarian dish combining savory garlic, hearty chickpeas, and juicy tomatoes with your choice of pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a bold, comforting flavor perfect for busy weeknights or a wholesome meal that impresses.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • Your favorite pasta (spaghetti, penne, fusilli) – about 12 oz (340 g)

Protein and Vegetables

  • 1 can (15 oz) canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups cherry or Roma tomatoes, chopped
  • 34 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Finishing Touches

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Mince the garlic and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly. Chop fresh tomatoes into small pieces if using fresh; otherwise, canned tomatoes can be used for convenience.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
  3. Sauté the Garlic and Chickpeas: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the rinsed chickpeas and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they are warmed through and lightly toasted.
  4. Add the Tomatoes: Add the chopped or canned tomatoes to the skillet. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the tomatoes break down and create a chunky sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and stir well to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen and blend the sauce smoothly.
  6. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove from heat and fold in chopped fresh basil or parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced or powdered for best flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen and help the sauce cling to the pasta.
  • Cook pasta al dente to maintain good texture after mixing with the sauce.
  • Season gradually with salt and pepper to build flavor carefully.
  • Use ripe fresh tomatoes for the most vibrant tomato sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic pasta, chickpea pasta, tomato pasta, vegetarian pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, plant-based meal, healthy dinner