Imagine a dish that captures the essence of Italian home cooking - simple, hearty, and bursting with flavor. Pasta e Ceci is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms humble ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal that will transport you straight to the cozy kitchens of Italy. With its creamy chickpea base, perfectly cooked pasta, and aromatic rosemary, this dish promises to become your new comfort food obsession that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Canned chickpeas
- Vegetable broth
- Garlic
- Onion
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Rosemary
Instructions
- Begin by finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly under cold water.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and softened, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and fresh rosemary to the pot, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed chickpeas. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to partially crush some of the chickpeas, which will help thicken the sauce and create a creamy texture.
- Add the pasta to the pot and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little more vegetable broth.
- Remove from heat and let the pasta e ceci rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to further develop.
- Serve hot, drizzled with a little extra virgin olive oil and garnished with fresh rosemary if desired.
Tips
- Choose the right pasta: Short pasta like ditalini or small shells work best for absorbing the creamy chickpea sauce.
- Don't rush the sautéing stage: Properly caramelizing onions and garlic builds a deep flavor foundation.
- Mash some chickpeas for creaminess: This technique helps create a luxurious, thick texture without adding cream.
- Use high-quality vegetable broth for enhanced flavor.
- Season gradually and taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance.
- Let the dish rest briefly after cooking to allow flavors to meld together.
- For extra richness, finish with a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
