Imagine a dish that transports your taste buds to the vibrant streets of the Middle East with just one bite! This Zaatar Pasta with Chickpeas is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that combines the earthy, herbal notes of zaatar with the creamy texture of perfectly cooked pasta and crispy chickpeas. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds - and the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp zaatar spice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 2 tbsp of zaatar spice, 3 tbsp of olive oil, 1 cup of cherry tomatoes (halved), salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water. This will season the pasta as it cooks.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 3 tbsp of olive oil to the skillet and allow it to warm up for about 1 minute.
- Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the olive oil. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
- Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the chickpeas. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and begin to release their juices.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chickpeas and tomatoes. Sprinkle the 2 tbsp of zaatar spice over the mixture. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water as needed to help combine and create a light sauce.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the zaatar pasta with chickpeas to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Enjoy your Zaatar Pasta with Chickpeas warm, and savor the delightful Middle Eastern flavors!
Tips
- Toast your zaatar spice briefly in the skillet before adding other ingredients to enhance its aromatic flavors.
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best taste, as it's a key flavor component in this dish.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial - its starchy consistency helps create a silky sauce that coats every pasta strand.
- For extra protein, consider adding crumbled feta cheese or grilled chicken to the final dish.
- Choose a short pasta like penne or rotini that can hold onto the zaatar and capture the chickpea and tomato mixture.
- Fresh parsley is not just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, spiced pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 240kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
