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- 8 oz whole wheat pasta (spaghetti or linguine) - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, thoroughly rinsed and drained - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) The main ingredients in this dish come together quickly. Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty taste and a good dose of fiber. Chickpeas provide protein and keep you full. Garlic brings a strong, rich flavor. Lemon juice and zest brighten the dish, adding freshness and zing. In the seasoning section, extra virgin olive oil gives a smooth mouthfeel. Red pepper flakes add heat, which you can adjust to your taste. Salt and pepper bring everything together. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Grated Parmesan cheese, if you choose, adds creaminess and depth. Every ingredient plays a role. When combined, they create a dish that is simple yet bursting with flavor. You can make it in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days. Enjoy the ease and delight of this Lemon Garlic Chickpea Pasta! To start, you need to boil salted water. Use a large pot for this. Bring the water to a rapid boil. Then, add 8 oz of whole wheat pasta. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes for al dente. Before draining, save ½ cup of that pasta water. This starchy water helps later. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute. It's key not to let the garlic brown. If it burns, it turns bitter. Then, carefully add 1 can of rinsed and drained chickpeas to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently so the chickpeas soak up the garlic flavor. Now, it's time to toss in the chickpeas and garlic. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Stir gently to mix everything well. Next, pour in the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Add the reserved pasta water too. Toss again, letting the sauce coat the pasta. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it's heated through. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Finally, serve in bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if you like. Enjoy your flavorful dish! - How to achieve the perfect al dente pasta: Start by boiling a big pot of salted water. When the water is bubbling, add your whole wheat pasta. Follow the package instructions closely for timing. Usually, it takes 8 to 10 minutes. Test the pasta a minute or two early. It should be firm but not hard when you bite it. - Avoiding burnt garlic: Heat your extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Watch it closely. Sauté for just about one minute. You want it fragrant, not brown. If it burns, it will taste bitter. - Adjusting spice levels: If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. If you want less spice, cut back. Taste the dish as you go to find what you like best. You can always add more later. - Using reserved pasta water effectively: Before draining your pasta, save about half a cup of the cooking water. This water is starchy and helps to thicken your sauce. After mixing in the lemon juice and zest, add a bit of the reserved water. It makes the dish creamy and helps the sauce stick to the pasta better. {{image_4}} To add protein, I love to include grilled chicken or shrimp. They both work well with the lemon and garlic flavors. Just grill the chicken or shrimp until they are cooked through. Then, toss them into the pasta right after adding the chickpeas. This extra protein makes the dish heartier. It also gives you more energy. For a vegetarian touch, try adding spinach or kale. Both greens are easy to use and add nice color. Simply sauté the spinach or kale for a few minutes with the garlic and chickpeas. This step wilts the greens and brings out their flavor. Plus, they make the dish even healthier. If you need a gluten-free choice, use gluten-free pasta. There are many types available now, like rice or chickpea pasta. Cook it just like regular pasta. Follow the package instructions for the best results. This way, everyone can enjoy the lemon garlic chickpea pasta. To reheat your Lemon Garlic Chickpea Pasta, use a skillet. Add a splash of olive oil. Heat over medium heat. Add the pasta and stir gently. This keeps the pasta soft. If it seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water. Heat just until warm. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta tough. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. Use within 3-4 days for the best taste. To freeze, use freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out the air before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. Cooked pasta can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Cooked pasta lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. After this time, the texture may change, and it might not taste as good. Always check for signs of spoilage like off smells or mold. Yes, you can easily make this pasta vegan. Simply skip the grated Parmesan cheese or swap it for a plant-based alternative. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without using dairy. You can also use cashew cheese for creaminess. This pasta pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some options: - A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Steamed broccoli or asparagus - Garlic bread or crusty baguette - Roasted vegetables for added flavor These sides can create a balanced meal to enjoy with your pasta. This blog post shared a simple and tasty Lemon Garlic Chickpea Pasta recipe. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and smart tips for the best results. Remember, you can personalize your dish with proteins, veggies, or gluten-free pasta. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. With these basics and tricks, you can impress anyone at your table. Enjoy making this quick, healthy meal that suits your taste and needs. Happy cooking!

Lemon Garlic Chickpea Pasta 15-Minute

Discover the delicious world of Lemon Garlic Chickpea Pasta with this easy recipe that combines whole wheat pasta, chickpeas, and a burst of lemon flavor! Perfect for a quick dinner, it’s healthy and satisfying. Follow simple steps to create a delightful meal in just 15 minutes. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Click through to explore this refreshing recipe and unleash your inner chef today!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz whole wheat pasta (spaghetti or linguine preferred)

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, thoroughly rinsed and drained

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 lemon (zested and juiced)

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water for later. Drain the pasta and set aside.

    Sauté Garlic and Chickpeas: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned—this step is crucial to avoid bitterness.

      Combine Chickpeas: Carefully add the rinsed and drained chickpeas to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, so that the chickpeas warm up and absorb the delightful flavors of garlic and olive oil.

        Add Pasta: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sautéed chickpeas. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined.

          Dress the Pasta: Pour in the lemon juice and zest, followed by the reserved pasta water. Toss the ingredients together, allowing the sauce to thoroughly coat the pasta. Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until everything is heated through. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking.

            Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the pasta to serving bowls. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of optional grated Parmesan cheese for those who desire an extra touch of flavor.

              Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in elegant bowls, drizzling with a bit of extra olive oil and a fine sprinkle of lemon zest to create a visually appealing finish. Consider adding a lemon wedge on the side to introduce a vibrant splash of color and an optional burst of freshness. Enjoy your culinary creation!