Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that's not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly easy to whip up? Dive into the world of vegan cuisine with our Vegan Spicy Chickpeas with Tomato Basil Pasta! This delightful recipe combines the hearty goodness of chickpeas with the vibrant flavors of tomatoes and fresh basil, all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta. In just 25 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering meal that serves four, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or a meal prep for the week. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet scrumptious dish that proves healthy eating can be delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing them to develop a light golden color and slight crispiness.
- Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-6 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken and flavors to meld together.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Add pasta directly to the skillet with chickpeas and tomatoes, tossing to combine thoroughly.
- If sauce seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a more cohesive sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Remove from heat and garnish generously with fresh torn basil leaves. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, ensuring each serving gets an equal mix of chickpeas, tomato sauce, and pasta.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for whole grain or gluten-free pasta to enhance the nutritional value of your meal. Both options pair well with the spicy chickpeas and tomato sauce.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you love heat, feel free to add more or even a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick!
- Fresh Basil is Key: Don’t skip the fresh basil garnish! It adds a burst of flavor and freshness that elevates the entire dish. Consider using a mix of basil and other herbs like parsley for added depth.
- Make it a Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Make a larger batch and store it in individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to throw in some sautéed spinach or kale for an extra boost of greens, or add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Pasta Water Magic: Remember to reserve that pasta water! It’s a great way to adjust the sauce's consistency while adding flavor, ensuring your pasta is perfectly coated.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 312kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
