Description
A delicious and nutritious pasta dish combining tender pasta, crisp broccoli, and protein-packed chickpeas. It’s quick, healthy, and perfect for busy individuals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces of pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free options)
- 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets
- 1 can (15 ounces) of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
- Fresh lemon juice for flavor
- Optional add-ins: cherry tomatoes, spinach, or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While your pasta is cooking, take a separate pan and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Next, add in the broccoli florets. Sauté them for 3-5 minutes until they’re vibrant green and slightly tender. Then, throw in the drained chickpeas and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously for another 3-4 minutes until the chickpeas are warmed through and the broccoli is just perfect.
- Drain the pasta once it’s cooked, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water. Add the drained pasta to the pan with the broccoli and chickpeas. Toss everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to help coat the pasta evenly.
- Season your dish with salt and pepper to taste, and finish it off with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for that bright, zesty kick.
- For a cheese lover’s touch, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. If you’re going vegan, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Toss well, serve warm, and enjoy!
Notes
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg