This Rustic Pasta e Ceci recipe offers a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for any day of the week. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare this hearty, healthy chickpea recipe that’s packed with flavor.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas work wonderfully for convenience. You can also use dried chickpeas, cooked from scratch, for a richer flavor.
- Small Pasta: Ditalini is traditional, but small shells or elbow macaroni are great alternatives.
- Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. Water with a bouillon cube also works.
- Canned Tomatoes: Diced or crushed tomatoes are ideal. Tomato paste can be used for a deeper tomato flavor.
- Fresh Rosemary: Dried rosemary can be substituted, use about half the amount.
- Spinach: Kale or other leafy greens are excellent additions for extra nutrition.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350
- Tools Needed: Large pot or Dutch oven, knife, cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Build the Base
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, chopped rosemary, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Cook the Pasta
Add the small pasta to the simmering liquid. Cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
4. Finish and Season
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little more broth if it’s too thick.
5. Serve Warm
Ladle the Rustic Pasta e Ceci into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, and enjoy your healthy chickpea recipe.
Variation Ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a touch of heat.
- Extra Veggies: Include diced zucchini or bell peppers along with the carrots and celery.
- Creamy Texture: Stir in a tablespoon of nutritional yeast at the end for a cheesy, creamy note without dairy.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free small pasta.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Rustic Pasta e Ceci in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta will absorb more liquid over time, so you might need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water when reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead. The flavors often meld even better the next day, though the pasta might absorb more liquid.
- What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?
You can use dried rosemary instead. Use about half a teaspoon of dried rosemary for this recipe.
- Is this recipe vegetarian/vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan. Just ensure you omit the optional Parmesan cheese for a strictly vegan dish.
- Can I use a different type of bean?
While chickpeas are traditional, great northern beans or cannellini beans would also work well in this healthy chickpea recipe.
- How can I make this more filling?
You can add cooked lentils along with the chickpeas or serve it with a side of crusty bread.
- What if my pasta e ceci is too thick or too thin?
If it’s too thick, add a little more vegetable broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate, or mash some of the chickpeas to thicken it.