Description
A simple, nourishing pasta dish made with tender pasta, crisp-tender broccoli, hearty chickpeas, and a fragrant garlic olive oil sauce. It is quick to prepare, comforting, and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 250 g pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
- 1 can (400 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- About 2 to 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets directly into the pot and cook until crisp-tender.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook gently until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes, if using.
- Add the chickpeas to the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the pan and toss to combine.
- Pour in some of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Season with salt and black pepper, then toss everything well.
- Finish with grated parmesan cheese and lemon zest, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use short pasta like penne or fusilli, or long pasta like spaghetti or linguine.
- Frozen broccoli can be used directly in the pasta water without thawing.
- To make it vegan, skip the parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
- White beans or lentils can be substituted for chickpeas.
- Spinach or kale can be added at the end for extra greens.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat with a splash of water or olive oil to keep the pasta from drying out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
