Description
A comforting and satisfying pasta dish featuring roasted broccoli, chickpeas, and a fragrant garlic olive oil sauce, perfect for cozy fall evenings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or short pasta of choice)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (or plant-based alternative)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Optional: toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for crunch
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Toss broccoli with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes until edges are browned. Alternatively, sauté broccoli in a large skillet with 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat until bright and tender, about 6–8 minutes.
- In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium. Add chickpeas, a pinch of salt, and cook until lightly browned and slightly crisp, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sliced garlic. Cook gently over low-medium heat until fragrant and just golden.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss in roasted or sautéed broccoli and chickpeas. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to loosen. Stir in grated Parmesan or alternative. Season with salt and pepper.
- Divide into bowls, sprinkle with parsley and toasted nuts, and finish with an extra drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy warm.
Notes
Use good extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Don’t overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness. Reserve pasta water for a silky texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian