Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that combines comfort and elegance? Look no further than our Creamy Chickpeas with Pasta! This Italian-inspired recipe is not only a breeze to whip up in just 30 minutes, but it also delivers a rich, creamy flavor that will leave you craving more. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas and enveloped in a luscious cream sauce, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how easy it is to create a pasta dish that’s both satisfying and sophisticated!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 1 can chickpeas
- 200ml cream
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 200g of pasta, 1 can of chickpeas, 200ml of cream, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and parsley for garnish.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Once the water is boiling, add the pasta to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, drain and rinse the can of chickpeas under cold water. Set them aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the rinsed chickpeas to the skillet with the garlic. Stir well to combine and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the chickpeas to heat through and absorb the garlic flavor.
- Once the chickpeas are heated, pour in the 200ml of cream. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.
- Season the creamy chickpea mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy chickpeas. Toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water if the mixture seems too thick.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve the creamy chickpeas with pasta in bowls, garnishing each serving with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the ideal texture, always cook your pasta al dente. This ensures it holds up well when mixed with the creamy chickpeas and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Garlic Goodness: Be cautious when sautéing the garlic; it should be fragrant and golden, not burnt. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to your dish.
- Creamy Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick after adding the cream, don’t hesitate to use some reserved pasta water to loosen it up. This starchy water not only adjusts the consistency but also helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- Herb Enhancement: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme along with the parsley for garnish. They can elevate the dish to new heights!
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Meal Prep Magic: This dish keeps well in the fridge, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or pasta water if needed.Enjoy your cooking adventure, and savor every creamy bite!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 50mg
