There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of pasta e ceci. This classic Italian dish, which translates to pasta and chickpeas, beautifully embodies the charm of Italian cooking with its simple yet hearty ingredients. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a cozy hug after a long day, making you feel right at home. The best part? It’s not just delicious but also incredibly nutritious, thanks to the protein-packed chickpeas and wholesome pasta. Trust me, once you dive into this comforting bowl, you’ll understand why pasta e ceci is a beloved staple in Italian kitchens. Plus, it comes together in just about an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend feast with family and friends!
Ingredients for Pasta e Ceci Recipe
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
- 2 cups water (for soaking)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (chopped)
How to Prepare Pasta e Ceci Recipe
- First things first, soak your chickpeas overnight in water. This is a crucial step, as it helps them soften up and cook evenly. If you’re short on time, you can use canned chickpeas instead, just drain and rinse them well.
- Once your chickpeas are ready, drain and rinse them under cold water. Now, in a roomy pot, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and warm but not smoking.
- Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This is where the magic begins—trust me, the aroma is just divine!
- Now it’s time to introduce the chickpeas! Toss them into the pot along with the diced tomatoes, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let those flavors mingle for a minute or two.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This is where the chickpeas get all tender and delicious.
- After your chickpeas have simmered beautifully, it’s time to add the pasta. Stir it in and cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. If the mixture looks a bit too thick, feel free to add a splash more broth or water.
- Finally, ladle your hearty pasta e ceci into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting Italian classic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in about an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and filling, it’s a warm hug in a bowl that satisfies your hunger.
- Vegetarian-friendly and packed with protein from chickpeas, it’s a great option for everyone!
- Simple ingredients mean you can whip it up with items you probably already have in your pantry.
- Nutritious and wholesome, with fiber and vitamins to keep you feeling great.
- Flexible recipe that allows for personal touches—feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices!
- Great for meal prep; leftovers taste even better the next day!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delicious pasta e ceci recipe. Remember, these values are based on typical ingredients used and can vary depending on specific brands and variations:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 12g
This hearty dish not only fills you up but also packs a nutritious punch, making it a fantastic addition to your weeknight dinner rotation!
Tips for Success
To make your pasta e ceci recipe truly shine, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip the soaking step for dried chickpeas; it makes a world of difference in texture. If you’re using canned chickpeas, remember to rinse them well to wash away that canning liquid—trust me, it can affect the flavor.
When it comes to seasoning, taste as you go! You might want to add a pinch more salt or a dash of chili flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. And if you like a bit of brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can really elevate the dish!
Also, feel free to swap out the small pasta for something like whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, depending on your preferences. Lastly, if you have any leftover veggies in the fridge, toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition!
Variations of Pasta e Ceci Recipe
One of the best things about pasta e ceci is how adaptable it is! You can easily customize this dish to match your taste or whatever you have on hand. For a bit of a kick, try adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. If you’re a fan of herbs, fresh thyme or basil can add a delightful freshness—just toss them in at the end for the best flavor.
Feeling adventurous? You could mix in some chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for a vibrant pop of color and added nutrients. For more protein, why not throw in some diced cooked sausage or pancetta? And if you’re in the mood for something a little different, swap out the dried rosemary for fresh oregano or even a hint of curry powder for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious pasta e ceci is a breeze! Once it’s cooled down to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy this comforting dish again soon. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up to avoid condensation.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend warming it on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to help loosen it up, as the pasta can soak up some liquid while sitting. Stir occasionally and heat until it’s piping hot. You can also pop it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry—just cover it loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring each time until it’s nice and warm. Enjoy your second serving just as much as the first!
FAQ Section
Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, canned chickpeas are a great option. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before adding them to the pot.
How can I make this pasta e ceci recipe gluten-free?
You can easily swap out the small pasta for a gluten-free variety like rice pasta or chickpea pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze your pasta e ceci! Just make sure it’s cooled completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
If you want to jazz things up, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley added just before serving can also brighten things up!
How do I know when the pasta is cooked properly?
Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. It should be tender but still al dente—meaning it has a slight bite to it. Taste a piece before draining to make sure it’s just how you like it!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this pasta e ceci recipe as I am! It’s such a comforting dish that I love to make time and time again. I’d love to hear how yours turns out—do you add any special ingredients or spices? Maybe you have a family twist on this classic? Whatever it is, please share your experiences in the comments! Let’s swap ideas and keep the comfort food love going!
For more information on the health benefits of chickpeas, check out this Healthline article.
To learn more about the nutritional value of pasta, visit this study.
Print
Pasta e Ceci Recipe: 7 Steps to Cozy Comfort Food
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and hearty pasta e ceci recipe made with chickpeas and pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup small pasta
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Soak chickpeas overnight in water.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
- In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add chickpeas, tomatoes, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add pasta and cook until tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- Use canned chickpeas for a quicker recipe.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pasta e ceci recipe
