Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of New Orleans with just one bite! This Creole Chick Peas with Pasta recipe is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that combines the hearty richness of chick peas, the bold kick of Creole seasoning, and the comforting embrace of perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you're a spice lover, a vegetarian looking for a satisfying meal, or simply someone who craves exciting flavors, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and become an instant favorite in your recipe collection.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Creole
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chick peas, drained
- 2 cups pasta
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes to develop the base flavors.
- Drain and rinse the chick peas, then add them to the skillet. Sprinkle Creole seasoning over the mixture, stirring to ensure even coating and distribution.
- In a separate large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, continue to simmer the chick pea mixture, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the chick pea mixture. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the Creole-style sauce.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to further integrate. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor - pre-minced garlic from a jar can't compare to the aromatic punch of freshly chopped cloves.
- Don't rush the onion sautéing process. Letting them caramelize slowly develops a deeper, sweeter flavor base for your dish.
- If you want extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to your Creole seasoning.
- For a protein boost, consider adding some grilled chicken or shrimp to make the dish more substantial.
- Always rinse canned chick peas to reduce sodium and improve digestibility.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a perfect texture when mixed with the sauce.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld together completely.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
