Creamy Pesto Chickpea Pasta

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare meals that are both nutritious and delicious can be a challenge. Enter Creamy Pesto Chickpea Pasta—a dish that merges the vibrant flavors of fresh basil pesto with the hearty goodness of chickpeas, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. This recipe not only satisfies hunger but also delivers a punch of nutrients, making it a favorite among health-conscious eaters and busy individuals alike.

Discover the deliciousness of Creamy Pesto Chickpea Pasta, a quick and nutritious meal perfect for busy days. This recipe combines protein-packed chickpeas with fresh basil pesto, creating a rich, creamy sauce that's both satisfying and healthy. In under 30 minutes, you can enjoy a vibrant dish that’s easily customizable for different tastes and dietary needs. Learn about the ingredients and their health benefits while creating a meal that family and friends will love!

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Ingredients

8 oz (225 g) pasta (your choice: penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 cup fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted if desired)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Juice of 1 lemon

Optional: cherry tomatoes, halved, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside.

Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped.

Add Olive Oil: While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until fully combined and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides as necessary.

Combine Cream and Lemon Juice: In a bowl, mix the pesto with the heavy cream and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Mix Everything Together: In the same pot used to cook the pasta, combine the drained pasta, chickpeas, and pesto mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired creaminess is reached.

Garnish (optional): Serve hot, topped with halved cherry tomatoes for a fresh touch.

Taste and Adjust: Give it a quick taste and adjust seasoning or add more cream based on your preference.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 30 min | 4 servings