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.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 3–4 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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: garlic pasta, chickpea pasta, tomato pasta, vegetarian pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, plant-based meal, healthy dinner