Broccoli Chickpea Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Recipe
A flavorful and healthy Broccoli Chickpea Pasta tossed in a fragrant garlic olive oil sauce, perfect for a quick and nutritious weeknight dinner. This dish combines tender pasta with sautéed broccoli, protein-packed chickpeas, and a hint of red pepper flakes, finished with a splash of lemon juice and optional Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 250g (8.8 oz) Pasta (penne, rotini, fusilli)
- 300g (10.5 oz) Broccoli Florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (400g / 14 oz) Chickpeas, drained & rinsed
Sauce and Seasoning
- 4–5 cloves Garlic, minced
- 60ml (¼ cup) Olive Oil
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 60ml (¼ cup) Vegetable Broth
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- Salt & Black Pepper to taste
Optional
- 30g (¼ cup) Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Broccoli: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
- Add Chickpeas and Simmer: Stir in the drained chickpeas, vegetable broth, and lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chickpeas to heat through.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve the pasta topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth with water or pasta cooking water for a lighter sauce.
- Use frozen broccoli if fresh is not available; just make sure to thaw it before cooking to reduce excess water.
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Reserve pasta water is essential for adjusting the sauce consistency and helping it cling to the pasta.
Keywords: Broccoli Chickpea Pasta, Garlic Olive Oil Pasta, Vegetarian Pasta, Healthy Pasta Recipe, Quick Dinner, Italian Pasta Dish
