Pasta With Vegan Chickpea Sauce Recipe (2024)

Why It Works

  • Using dried beans that are boiled with aromatics produces a more deeply flavored final sauce.
  • The beans blend into a creamy sauce that coats the noodles, but doesn't require dairy of any sort.

WhenKenjiwas up to his ears coming up with great new ideas for his annual month of vegan eating, I remained on a diet that included meats and cheese.* In 2015, I noticed some folks asking for vegan bean recipes in the comments ofhis introductory article to the 4th year of the vegan experience, and thought I might be able to help with that. (Plus, with all the great vegan stuff happening on the site, I didn't want to be left totally out of the action.)

*Usually, a lot of meat and cheese.

I have a passion for beans, which developed back when I used to cook for the Tuscan chefCesare Casella. The Tuscans are famous for their beans (they're sometimes called themangiafa*gioli—bean eaters—in Italy), and Cesare is no exception. When I worked for him, he'dimport thousands of pounds of beansevery year from Italy, and I learned plenty of tricks from him on how to use them.

Pasta With Vegan Chickpea Sauce Recipe (1)

One of those tricks was this simple pasta with a sauce made from puréed beans, which I've made with chickpeas here. It couldn't be easier to make: You simply sauté some garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil, add some cooked beans along with some of their cooking water, then purée it to make a smooth, creamy sauce. Add a handful of whole cooked beans for some texture, and you're basically done.

Pasta With Vegan Chickpea Sauce Recipe (2)

Now, I know this may sound like a weird dish, but it's actually just an inversion of the Italy's classicpasta e fa*giolisoup, except the ratio of soup and pasta has been flipped. (It's also reminiscent of thestarch-heavy, yet delicious, vegetable pasta sauce recipeI shared several months ago.)

Pasta With Vegan Chickpea Sauce Recipe (3)

I'll be honest—if left to my own devices, I wouldn't necessarily make this vegan. I'd finish it with grated Parmesan, and possibly melt some anchovies into the oil with the garlic and red pepper flakes. Those are nice touches, but they aren't necessary. This more simple vegan version has a wonderfully clean flavor that lets the beans shine through.

That brings us to the beans. Yes, you can make this recipe with canned beans, and it'll be good. But with a dish this simple, each individual ingredient becomes much more important. For the best results, I implore you to cook dried chickpeas from scratch, adding aromatics like rosemary, garlic, and onion to the cooking water (and discarding them before proceeding with the recipe). You'll get much more deeply and richly flavored beans that way, and given that they're the backbone of the dish, that's kinda important.

If you do cook your own beans, make sure they are fully cooked and creamy throughout, without any trace of graininess; don't worry if some fall apart; you're puréeing most of them anyway. In the case of chickpeas, that can take a loooooong time, so be patient and err on the side of overcooking them (or use a pressure cooker to speed things up). If you don't want to use chickpeas or have some other bean on hand, you'll be happy to know this recipe works with all sorts, from cannellini to cranberry beans.

To finish the dish, I cook the pasta, then finish it in the bean sauce with a little of the pasta-cooking water added. Chopped parsley adds a fresh note.

Pasta With Vegan Chickpea Sauce Recipe (5)

I also drizzle in some extra-virgin olive oil right at the end to get a boost of its fresh, uncooked flavor. A generous grating of black pepper also works wonders.

Pasta With Vegan Chickpea Sauce Recipe (6)

Of course, if you decide to add some grated cheese, I won't snitch.

February 2015

Recipe Details

Pasta With Vegan Chickpea Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces dried chickpeas, soaked overnight in salted water (see notes)

  • 1 large onion, split in half

  • 1 head garlic, 3 cloves thinly sliced, the rest left unpeeled

  • 3 sprigs rosemary

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • 1 pound short ruffled pasta, such as farfalle

  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish

Directions

  1. Place chickpeas in a large pot and cover with lightly salted water by at least 2 inches. Add unpeeled garlic, onion, and rosemary. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a bare simmer and cook, topping up with water as necessary to keep beans submerged, until beans are very tender and creamy with no graininess left, about 2 hours. Beans can also be cooked in a pressure cooker at low pressure for 30 minutes. (See note if using canned beans.) Discard onions, garlic, and rosemary. Drain beans, reserving beans and liquid separately. You should have 4 cups drained chickpeas and at least 1 1/2 cups chickpea-cooking liquid.

  2. In a medium saucepan, combine oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes and set over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until garlic is lightly golden, about 3 minutes. Add 3 cups chickpeas and chickpea-cooking liquid (or liquid from the cans) and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and, using an immersion blender, blend to a smooth, saucy purée, adding more chickpea-cooking liquid (or water or vegetable broth) if too thick. Stir in remaining 1 cup chickpeas, crushing some lightly with a wooden spoon or potato masher but leaving them mostly whole. Season with salt and pepper.

    Pasta With Vegan Chickpea Sauce Recipe (7)

  3. In a pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until just short of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta-cooking water, then drain pasta. Return pasta to pot and add chickpea sauce along with 1/4 cup of reserved pasta-cooking water. Set over medium heat and bring to a simmer, stirring until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened just enough to coat pasta, about 3 minutes; add more reserved pasta-cooking water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if sauce becomes too thick. Remove from heat, stir in chopped parsley and drizzle in some fresh olive oil, stirring to blend. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon pasta and sauce into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve.

    Pasta With Vegan Chickpea Sauce Recipe (8)

Special Equipment

Immersion blender

Notes

Chickpeas can also be prepared using the quick soak method. Cover with water in a large pot, bring to a boil, remove from heat, and let rest for 1 hour. Drain and proceed with the recipe as directed.

To use canned beans, omit dried beans, onion, unpeeled garlic, and rosemary and skip step 1. Drain three 15-ounce cans of cooked chickpeas, reserving the liquid from the cans (supplement with water or vegetable broth if the liquid measures less than 1 1/2 cups). Continue with step 2 as directed.

Read More

  • Pasta e fa*gioli (Italian Bean and Pasta Soup)
  • Pasta With Beans and Greens
  • Penne With Melted-Vegetable Sauce
  • How to Cook Dried Beans
Pasta With Vegan Chickpea Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is chickpea pasta healthier than regular pasta? ›

Chickpea pasta is a healthy alternative to white pasta, providing more fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, most types are suitable for gluten-free diets. Its fiber and protein may support blood sugar management, weight maintenance, digestive health, and a reduced risk of numerous health conditions.

Does chickpea pasta spike blood sugar? ›

A meta-analysis involving a subset of studies demonstrated that chickpeas were more effective in reducing blood glucose iAUC compared to potatoes and wheat. Chickpeas offer the potential for blood sugar control through low starch digestibility, high fiber, protein, and hormonal effects.

Does chickpea pasta taste like real pasta? ›

Its flavor, after all, is different from white-flour pasta. Different, but good. It's got a distinct nuttiness to it—the kind you always want from whole wheat pasta, but better because it doesn't have whole wheat pasta's grainy, tough texture. You want to use Banza in situations that highlight this nutty flavor.

Are chickpeas carbs or protein? ›

They contain a moderate number of calories, providing 269 per cup (164 grams). Approximately 67% of these calories come from carbs, while the rest comes from protein and fat ( 1 ). Chickpeas also provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as a decent amount of fiber and protein.

Can you eat chickpea pasta every day? ›

Yes! Chickpeas themselves are plant-based powerhouses chock-full of both protein and fiber — up to 8 grams of each per ½ cup serving. Plus, they're a sustainable food source along with other pulses like beans, peas, and lentils.

Is chickpea pasta anti-inflammatory? ›

Plus, pasta shelves these days look different than they did 20 years ago. You can find legume-based options made with black beans, chickpeas and lentils that offer protein and fiber that might help reduce inflammatory woes.

What are the side effects of chickpea pasta? ›

Chickpea pasta, Morrison acknowledges, is "high in fiber," which is great for many who need more of the nutrient in their diet, but could "cause bloating for some, especially people with IBS." Chickpea pasta, Hanes agrees, can "potentially cause bloating and indigestion for some people for a couple of reasons." She ...

What is the healthiest pasta? ›

Whole-Wheat Pasta

Also called whole-grain pasta, this type of pasta keeps the bran, endosperm, and germ of the grain together. It's filled with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This helps you feel full longer and keeps your blood sugar from spiking. It also has a little over 8 grams of protein per cup cooked.

Are chickpeas and garbanzo beans the same thing? ›

The honest answer—there's no difference between chickpeas and garbanzo beans. They're just two (of many) different names for the same type of pulse. (Pulses are basically seeds of legume plants.) The word chickpea doesn't come from chickens at all—it's an evolution of the plant's Latin name, cicer arietinum.

Do I need to rinse chickpea pasta? ›

When the pasta reaches your preferred texture, strain it, and rinse under water as you strain. Rinsing Banza after cooking removes the chickpea starch that forms during the cooking process.

How long should I cook chickpea pasta? ›

It holds its shape and texture very well, especially if cooked in lots of water (10 cups per box) so it has space to move while cooking. As with any pasta, it will however get softer with time so we encourage you to taste for texture around the 5 to 6 minute boiling mark and go from there.

Does Barilla make chickpea pasta? ›

I really enjoyed the Barilla chickpea pasta. The texture of these noodles is similar enough to regular pasta. The chickpea noodles are not as gritty as the lentil noodles from Barilla.

Can I eat chickpeas every day? ›

You can eat at least one serving (28 grams) of chickpeas per day. However, don't eat more than 70 grams a day since that can cause adverse side effects. If you consume too many chickpeas, some side effects you may get include bloating, nausea, and gas. It's important to remember that chickpeas should not be eaten raw.

What's healthier, lentils or chickpeas? ›

Chickpea and lentils both only contain what scientists consider "good fats." Therefore, Chickpeas are better as they have more "good fats." Lentils have more dietary fiber than Chickpeas. Fiber is a strange nutrient. It doesn't provide calories and doesn't stick around your body.

What is the healthiest way to eat chickpeas? ›

Chickpeas are found in many cuisines. Stir them into soups, stews and pasta dishes, toss in salads or puree for a healthy appetizer.

What is the healthiest pasta to eat? ›

Whole-wheat pasta

Whole wheat pasta has a nuttier flavor and grainier texture than ordinary pasta, but when covered with sauce, it's just as delicious. Unlike typical pasta, whole-wheat pasta contains all three parts of the grain — the bran, endosperm and germ — which means it's less processed and more nutritious.

Is chickpea pasta a highly processed food? ›

As a gluten-free alternative that is minimally processed - with roughly double the protein content, up to three times the fiber, and significantly fewer carbs compared to traditional wheat pasta, chickpea pasta offers a well-rounded meal option as a hearty, satisfying comfort meal for anyone looking to add more plant- ...

Do chickpeas have more carbs than pasta? ›

A single cup of pasta contains 43 grams of carbohydrates, whereas a single cup of lentils or chickpeas contains about 35 grams. The amount of carbohydrates in other beans, like pinto or black beans, is similar.

What pasta is the lowest in carbs? ›

  1. Shirataki noodles (konjac noodles) and tofu shirataki noodles. If you're counting carbs and craving pasta, these are your best bet. ...
  2. Zucchini noodles. Also known as zoodles, these are simply long strands that have been spiralized from whole squash. ...
  3. Hearts of palm noodles. ...
  4. Spaghetti squash noodles.
Oct 31, 2022

Top Articles
Where to Buy Brush Hero: Your Ultimate Guide to Scoring the Best Deals - Shark Tank (2024 Update)
Capitel. Verdad - [PDF Document]
Tiny Tina Deadshot Build
Skycurve Replacement Mat
Spn 1816 Fmi 9
Craigslist Cars Augusta Ga
How Many Cc's Is A 96 Cubic Inch Engine
Chelsea player who left on a free is now worth more than Palmer & Caicedo
Google Jobs Denver
Gore Videos Uncensored
Visustella Battle Core
123 Movies Babylon
2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Pl electric for sale - Portland, OR - craigslist
Blue Ridge Now Mugshots Hendersonville Nc
Wunderground Huntington Beach
What Is Njvpdi
Nier Automata Chapter Select Unlock
Nba Rotogrinders Starting Lineups
Equibase | International Results
Www.publicsurplus.com Motor Pool
Saritaprivate
Accident On 215
Decosmo Industrial Auctions
ABCproxy | World-Leading Provider of Residential IP Proxies
Juicy Deal D-Art
Homeaccess.stopandshop
Https E22 Ultipro Com Login Aspx
Beaufort 72 Hour
Accuradio Unblocked
Criglist Miami
Things to do in Pearl City: Honolulu, HI Travel Guide by 10Best
Jail Roster Independence Ks
WOODSTOCK CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WITH COMPREHENSIVE 38-CD DELUXE BOXED SET | Rhino
Issue Monday, September 23, 2024
Navigating change - the workplace of tomorrow - key takeaways
A Man Called Otto Showtimes Near Amc Muncie 12
How to Destroy Rule 34
Aveda Caramel Toner Formula
Avance Primary Care Morrisville
D-Day: Learn about the D-Day Invasion
California Craigslist Cars For Sale By Owner
Guy Ritchie's The Covenant Showtimes Near Grand Theatres - Bismarck
Cabarrus County School Calendar 2024
Sandra Sancc
Take Me To The Closest Ups
Underground Weather Tropical
Gear Bicycle Sales Butler Pa
King Fields Mortuary
Denys Davydov - Wikitia
Duffield Regional Jail Mugshots 2023
Ihop Deliver
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dong Thiel

Last Updated:

Views: 6094

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dong Thiel

Birthday: 2001-07-14

Address: 2865 Kasha Unions, West Corrinne, AK 05708-1071

Phone: +3512198379449

Job: Design Planner

Hobby: Graffiti, Foreign language learning, Gambling, Metalworking, Rowing, Sculling, Sewing

Introduction: My name is Dong Thiel, I am a brainy, happy, tasty, lively, splendid, talented, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.