Pasta with Chickpeas (Pasta E Ceci)

A big bowl of the pasta with chickpeas, sitting on a tabletop alongside a block of parmesan, drink glasses, and another bowl of the pasts

5 from 2 votes

Pasta with Chickpeas (Pasta E Ceci)

When it comes to comfort food, there is nothing better than a warm, hearty bowl of pasta that is packed with flavor, protein, and healthy fats. And when it comes to a recipe that takes the cake for all three, it has to be Pasta with Chickpeas - otherwise known as Pasta E Ceci. This traditional Italian pasta recipe is creamy, comforting, delicious, and can easily be made gluten-free and vegan-friendly, too!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Diet Low Fat, Low Lactose, Low Salt, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword Dairy Free, Nut Free, Refined Sugar Free, Vegan

Servings Servings

Calories 204kcal

Author Nicole Modic

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

¼ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 Cloves Garlic peeled and smashed
1 Small Red Onion diced
1 6 oz. can Tomato Paste this should be about 1/4 cup
1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
1 15 oz. can Chickpeas drained and rinsed
1 Cup Small Shaped Pasta I use elbows!
3 Cups Chicken Broth or use broth of choice
1 Bay Leaf

For the Garnishes:

1 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1 Teaspoon Parmesan Cheese freshly grated

Instructions

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot, on the stove, over high heat, until it shimmers.
Next, chop your garlic and red onion and add it to the pot with the hot oil, stirring until they become lightly browned and fragrant. This should take approximately 3-4 minutes.
Then, add your tomato paste and sea salt into the pot and stir for about another minute, until they're fully combined.
Next, add your chickpeas, pasta, chicken broth, and bay leaf to the pot and scrape the bottom to ensure that the browned bits are fully incorporated into the mixture.
Then, lower the heat and let the pasta mixture simmer, uncovered, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed into it. This should take approximately 20 minutes.
Finally, once done, remove from the heat, serve, and enjoy! Garnish with crushed red pepper flakes and freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition