Description
This Slow Roasted Chickpea and Tomato Pasta is a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring roasted cherry tomatoes and crispy chickpeas tossed with pasta, garlic, and fresh basil. The combination of roasted veggies and a lightly creamy Parmesan sauce makes for a hearty vegetarian main course perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Legumes
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Pantry & Spices
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 8 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
Dairy
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a baking sheet, toss the cherry tomatoes and chickpeas with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Spread everything out in a single layer and roast for 35–40 minutes, stirring halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when the tomatoes burst and chickpeas turn golden and slightly crisp.
- Cook Pasta: While the veggies roast, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Be sure to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining to help create a sauce later on.
- Sauté Tomato Paste: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the color deepens and it gets aromatic.
- Combine Roasted Veggies and Pasta: Add the roasted tomatoes and chickpeas into the skillet with the tomato paste and stir to combine. Then, toss in the cooked pasta along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir everything well to coat the pasta and heat through.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan if desired for an extra burst of savory flavor.
Notes
- You can use any short or long pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Add fresh greens like spinach or arugula for extra nutrition and color.