Creamy Chickpea Pasta

In the realm of comforting meals, creamy garlic herb chickpea pasta stands out as a delightful dish that melds rich flavors with wholesome ingredients. This recipe not only satisfies the palate but also nourishes the body, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners. With a creamy texture and aromatic herbs, this pasta dish appeals to both vegetarians and vegans, showcasing the versatility of chickpeas as a plant-based protein source.

Discover the creamy garlic herb chickpea pasta recipe that combines rich flavors with nutritious ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, this dish uses chickpeas for a protein boost and can cater to various dietary preferences. With a luscious sauce, fragrant herbs, and easy-to-follow instructions, it's a delightful and satisfying meal that even non-vegans will love. Explore the versatility of chickpeas in this comforting and healthy recipe!

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Ingredients

8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work well)

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 cup vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a vegan alternative)

1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional for an extra cheesy flavor)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Red pepper flakes (optional), for serving

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Sauté the Aromatics:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant.

Add the Chickpeas:

Stir in the rinsed chickpeas into the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing them to warm through and develop a light golden color.

Create the Sauce:

Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet, then add the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the nutritional yeast (if using), dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the cooked pasta and roughly chopped spinach into the sauce. Gently toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce appears too thick for your liking.

Finish with Cheese:

Incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) into the pasta, stirring until melted and fully combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Serve:

Divide the creamy chickpea pasta among serving bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired for a hint of heat. Enjoy your delightful meal!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 servings