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Broccoli Chickpea Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil

Broccoli Chickpea Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil

  • Author: Brian
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan

Description

Broccoli Chickpea Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil is a quick, nutritious, and delicious plant-based meal combining tender pasta, vibrant broccoli, and protein-packed chickpeas tossed in fragrant garlic olive oil. Perfect for weeknight dinners or wholesome meals, this recipe balances flavors and textures with ease and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta (or your preferred variety)
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets

Protein and Flavorings

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained (or cooked from dry)
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (natural)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to help with the sauce’s consistency later.
  2. Cook the Broccoli: While the pasta cooks, cut the broccoli into small florets if fresh. Steam or blanch the broccoli until tender-crisp, ensuring it retains its vibrant color and bite.
  3. Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, but not burnt, to enhance the flavor base of the dish.
  4. Add Chickpeas and Season: Mix the rinsed chickpeas into the skillet with the garlic olive oil. Gently toss and cook for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Chickpeas: Add the drained pasta and broccoli straight into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a light, silky coating. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Cook pasta al dente to maintain a slight firmness that complements the broccoli texture.
  • Use fresh garlic cloves to provide a more vibrant and natural flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to help the olive oil coat the pasta evenly for a silky sauce.
  • Do not skip the lemon juice; it brightens the dish and balances the richness of the olive oil.
  • Use quality cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil (natural) for enhanced flavor depth.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Boiling and Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: broccoli pasta, chickpea pasta, garlic olive oil pasta, plant-based meal, quick dinner, vegan pasta, healthy pasta dish

Find it online: https://puretastekitchen.com/broccoli-chickpea-pasta-with-garlic-olive-oil/