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Garlic Chickpea Tomato Pasta

Garlic Chickpea Tomato Pasta
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Garlic Chickpea Tomato Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious plant-based meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining hearty chickpeas, sweet cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil with your favorite pasta, this dish is easy to prepare in under 30 minutes and adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 200g spaghetti or your favorite pasta
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or about 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas)
  • 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins and Garnishes

  • Grated Parmesan or vegan cheese alternative
  • Spinach or kale (1 cup, optional)
  • Grilled chicken or shrimp (for non-vegan protein boost)
  • Smoked paprika or chili powder (as alternative spices)
  • Extra virgin olive oil drizzle
  • Lemon wedge for squeezing
  • Toasted pine nuts (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Cook spaghetti or your preferred pasta according to package instructions in generously salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/4 cup pasta water, and set pasta aside.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and gently sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden but not browned to release its sweet and savory essence.
  3. Add Chickpeas and Tomatoes: Stir in the chickpeas and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tomatoes soften and chickpeas are warmed through, creating a chunky, flavorful sauce base.
  4. Season and Combine: Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the chickpea-tomato mixture, mixing well to coat every strand. Add reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce is too thick or dry.
  5. Finish with Fresh Basil: Remove skillet from heat. Tear fresh basil leaves over the pasta and gently toss to blend all flavors. Serve warm immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and aroma.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help bind and loosen the sauce as needed.
  • Do not overcook the tomatoes to keep a pleasant burst and texture.
  • Choose a high-quality olive oil to enhance richness and flavor.
  • Adjust seasoning gradually, tasting as you go for a perfect balance.
  • Canned chickpeas can be replaced with cooked dried chickpeas soaked overnight.
  • For oil-free versions, sauté garlic in vegetable broth or water instead of olive oil.
  • Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil, fresh parsley, or oregano if unavailable.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic pasta, chickpea pasta, tomato pasta, vegan pasta, quick dinner, healthy pasta, gluten-free pasta

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/garlic-chickpea-tomato-pasta/