Description
A quick and flavorful Broccoli Chickpea Pasta tossed in garlic-infused olive oil with a hint of red pepper flakes, offering a wholesome and satisfying vegetarian meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Legumes
- 1 head broccoli florets
- 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
Pasta & Grains
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
Seasonings & Oils
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and chop broccoli into small florets. Rinse and drain chickpeas thoroughly. Thinly slice the garlic cloves to ensure even sautéing.
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until it is al dente, following package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of the pasta cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water to cook alongside the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic: While the pasta and broccoli cook, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté gently until it turns golden and fragrant, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Chickpeas: Stir the drained chickpeas and red pepper flakes into the garlic oil. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the chickpeas to warm through and absorb the flavors.
- Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Chickpeas: Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with chickpeas. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the mixture and create a light sauce.
- Season and Serve: Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm, and if desired, top each serving with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra olive oil for added richness.
Notes
- To keep the broccoli crisp, avoid overcooking it; adding it in the last few minutes of pasta cooking ensures perfect tenderness.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- Parmesan cheese is optional; you can omit it for a vegan version or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
- Reserve the pasta cooking water as it helps to bind the sauce and keep the pasta moist.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider toasting the red pepper flakes briefly before adding the chickpeas.
