This vegan chickpea pasta is a quick and healthy meal made with protein-rich chickpeas and tender pasta. It’s full of flavor and perfect for a filling, meat-free dinner or lunch.
I love how easy it is to make—just toss everything together! Sometimes I add a sprinkle of lemon or fresh herbs for a bright touch.
My tip: serve with a side of veggies or a simple salad. It keeps things colorful and adds extra nutrients to your meal.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpeas: Canned or cooked dry chickpeas add protein and texture. I rinse canned chickpeas to remove excess salt and find they work great. If you prefer, try lentils or white beans for a similar creamy consistency.
Vegan Pasta: Use your favorite wheat or gluten-free pasta. I like spiral shapes because they hold sauce well. You can swap in zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a低-carb version.
Garlic & Olive Oil: These flavor bases boost aroma and richness. I like to gently sauté garlic to avoid burning. For variety, try shallots or a splash of lemon juice instead of olive oil.
Vegetables: Bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes add freshness and color. I suggest chopping veggies small for quick cooking. Frozen spinach works if fresh is unavailable, just squeeze out excess water.
How do I cook the pasta without it sticking or overcooking?
Use a large pot with plenty of boiling water and a pinch of salt. Stir the pasta during the first minute to prevent sticking. Check for doneness a minute before the package suggests; it should be tender but firm.
- Fill a large pot with water and add salt; bring to a rolling boil.
- Add pasta and stir for the first 30 seconds.
- Cook according to package time, tasting a minute early for perfect tenderness.
How to Make Vegan Chickpea Pasta?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces chickpea pasta
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
- Nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
10 minutes prep + 15 minutes cooking + 0 minutes resting = 25 minutes total
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil water, add chickpea pasta, and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
Heat olive oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked pasta to the pan. Toss everything to coat. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
4. Serve
Dish out the pasta. Top with fresh basil and optional nutritional yeast. Enjoy your vegan chickpea pasta!