Follow Me On Social Media!
Broccoli Chickpea Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil
An Invigorating Dish for Any Occasion
If there’s one dish that seamlessly blends health and flavor, it’s this Broccoli Chickpea Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil. On a busy weeknight, when you want to whip up something nourishing, this recipe shines. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for those after-work dinner rushes. Plus, incorporating vibrant broccoli and protein-packed chickpeas ensures you’re not just feeding your hunger but also your body. Trust me, this dish goes beyond sustenance—it’s pure comfort in a bowl.
What Makes This Recipe Special
You might wonder why you should add this recipe to your weekly menu rotation. Here are a few compelling reasons:
-
Nutritious and Satisfying: With chickpeas providing protein and fiber, and broccoli delivering essential vitamins, this pasta dish hits all the right notes.
-
Quick and Easy: In under 30 minutes, you can have a scrumptious meal ready. Ideal for those hectic evenings when time is of the essence.
-
Budget-Friendly: Utilizing canned chickpeas and seasonal broccoli makes this dish both affordable and accessible for everyone.
-
Kid-Approved: The savory garlic and satisfying pasta make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
New Ebook
🍰 30 Easy No-Bake Desserts
A delicious collection of no-bake treats you can make anytime, including:
- ✨ Chocolate lovers’ dreams – fudgy bars, truffles & mousse
- 🍓 Fruity delights – creamy parfaits, lemon & mango desserts
- 🥜 Nutty & indulgent – peanut butter & pistachio bites
- 🍋 Citrus & refreshing – lemon, orange creamsicle & key lime
- 🍪 Classic favorites – icebox cakes & cookie dough cups
Instant digital download • Secure checkout via Gumroad
"I prepared this dish for a family gathering, and it was a massive hit! Everyone loved the flavors, and I loved how quickly I could throw it together." — Jamie W., satisfied home cook.
Your Easy Cooking Guide
Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? This Broccoli Chickpea Pasta recipe has straightforward steps that will have you cooking like a pro in no time. Here’s a bird’s-eye view of the preparation process:
- Cook the pasta to al dente in boiling water and reserve some liquid.
- Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil for a fragrant base.
- Cook the broccoli until tender-crisp before adding the chickpeas and broth.
- Mix everything together with the pasta and season to taste.
Gather Your Ingredients
To create this delightful Broccoli Chickpea Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil, you’ll need:
- 250g Pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- 300g Broccoli Florets (use fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (400g) Chickpeas (drained & rinsed)
- 4–5 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 60ml Olive Oil
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 60ml Vegetable Broth
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 30g Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional)
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
Feel free to swap out pasta shapes or use whole grain for added health benefits.
Step-by-Step Directions
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
-
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes for about a minute, just until fragrant.
-
Add the broccoli florets to the pan, cooking for about 5–7 minutes until they’re tender-crisp.
-
Stir in the chickpeas, vegetable broth, and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to merge.
-
Add the drained pasta to the pan, tossing everything well. If it seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
-
Season with salt and black pepper, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and relish every bite!
Serving Ideas
To elevate your dining experience, consider these serving suggestions:
- Pair the pasta with a simple garden salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside crusty bread for a heartier option.
- For extra flair, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top just before serving can brighten the flavors.
Best Way to Store Broccoli Chickpea Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil
To keep your pasta fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of vegetable broth to restore moisture. Avoid using the microwave if possible for best texture.
Helpful Hints
For those looking to enhance their cooking game, here are some pro tips:
- Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for more variety.
- Add Protein: If you desire additional protein, shredded chicken or tofu can be great complements.
- Seasoning: Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference for a personalized touch.
Creative Twists
Did you know you can easily customize this dish? Here are a few variations:
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh basil or parsley right before serving for an aromatic kick.
- Cheesy Alternative: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly version.
- Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds on top for added crunch and nutrition.
Your Questions Answered
What is the prep and cook time?
The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.
Can I substitute chickpeas with another protein?
Absolutely! You may use lentils, white beans, or grilled chicken according to your preference and dietary needs.
How do I know if I can safely store leftovers?
Always refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking to ensure food safety. Ensure they’re kept in sealed containers, and use your best judgment regarding smell and appearance before consuming later.
Dive into this easy-to-make yet flavorful dish, and watch it become a staple in your culinary repertoire!
Broccoli Chickpea Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A nutritious and satisfying pasta dish blending chickpeas, broccoli, and garlic olive oil, perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 250g Pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- 300g Broccoli Florets (use fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (400g) Chickpeas (drained & rinsed)
- 4–5 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 60ml Olive Oil
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 60ml Vegetable Broth
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 30g Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional)
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes for about a minute, just until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets to the pan, cooking for about 5–7 minutes until they’re tender-crisp.
- Stir in the chickpeas, vegetable broth, and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to merge.
- Add the drained pasta to the pan, tossing everything well. If it seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and black pepper, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and relish every bite!
Notes
For added health benefits, feel free to swap out pasta shapes or use whole grain. You can also enhance the dish with other vegetables, chicken, or tofu.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pasta, chickpeas, broccoli, quick meal, vegetarian dinner, healthy recipe
