One Pot Chickpea Kale Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Convenience: Cooking everything in one pot simplifies preparation and minimizes cleanup.
  • Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vegetables like kale and broccoli, along with protein-rich chickpeas, this dish offers a balanced nutritional profile.
  • Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe by substituting ingredients to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

  • For the Pasta:

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1/4 tablespoon chopped shallot
    • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
    • 8 oz. orecchiette pasta (whole wheat for a healthier option)
    • 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
    • 1/4 cup low-fat milk (or milk of choice)
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for added spice)
    • 3 cups kale, stems removed, roughly chopped
    • 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
    • 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For Garnish:

    • Extra Parmesan cheese
    • Freshly chopped parsley
    • Extra crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Directions

  1. Sauté Aromatics:

    • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
    • Add chopped shallot and garlic; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
    • Cook Pasta:
    • Add orecchiette pasta to the skillet, followed by vegetable broth, milk, oregano, basil, and red chili flakes
    • Stir in chopped broccoli.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer.
    • Cook for 9 minutes.
  2. Add Vegetables and Chickpeas:

    • Remove the lid, add halved cherry tomatoes and chickpeas. Stir to combine
    • Continue to cook for another 6 minutes.
  3. Incorporate Greens:

    • Add chopped kale to the skillet, stirring until wilted.
    • Simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed and pasta is fully cooked, about 4-5 more minutes.
  4. Finish and Serve:

    • Remove from heat. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and additional crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
    • Serve warm, accompanied by crusty bread if desired.
    • Servings and Timing
  • Servings: 4-6
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Beans: Substitute chickpeas with white beans like Great Northern or cannellini for a different flavor.
  • Vegetables: Incorporate other veggies such as cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers based on preference.
  • Greens: Replace kale with spinach, arugula, or Swiss chard.
  • Pasta: Use whole wheat, lentil, or chickpea pasta for added nutrition.
  • Cheese: For a vegetarian version, omit Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to achieve desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the pasta chosen.

Is this dish suitable for vegans?

To make it vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese and ensure the vegetable broth is plant-based.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How can I make the dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red chili flakes or add diced spicy peppers to suit your heat preference.

Conclusion

This One Pot Chickpea Kale Pasta is a versatile and wholesome meal that brings together a variety of flavors and textures. Its adaptability to different dietary preferences and ease of preparation make it a great addition to any weeknight dinner rotation.


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One Pot Chickpea Kale Pasta

One Pot Chickpea Kale Pasta

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  • Author: Amy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Category: Main Course, Vegetarian, One-Pot Meal
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This One Pot Chickpea Kale Pasta combines hearty chickpeas, nutritious kale, and small orecchiette pasta, all cooked together in one pot for an easy, wholesome meal. Flavored with oregano, basil, and a hint of spice, this dish is finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a satisfying vegetarian dinner that’s quick to make and full of flavor.


Ingredients

For the Pasta:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ tablespoon chopped shallot
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 8 oz. orecchiette pasta (whole wheat for a healthier option)
  • 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
  • ¼ cup low-fat milk (or milk of choice)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for added spice)
  • 3 cups kale, stems removed, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
  • 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

  • Extra Parmesan cheese
  • Freshly chopped parsley
  • Extra crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics:

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chopped shallot and garlic; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Cook Pasta:

  1. Add orecchiette pasta to the skillet, followed by vegetable broth, milk, oregano, basil, and red chili flakes.
  2. Stir in chopped broccoli.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer.
  4. Cook for 9 minutes.

3. Add Vegetables and Chickpeas:

  1. Remove the lid, add halved cherry tomatoes and chickpeas. Stir to combine.
  2. Continue to cook for another 6 minutes.

4. Incorporate Greens:

  1. Add chopped kale to the skillet, stirring until wilted.
  2. Simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed and pasta is fully cooked, about 4-5 more minutes.

5. Finish and Serve:

  1. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and additional crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
  2. Serve warm, accompanied by crusty bread if desired.

Notes

Variations:

  • Beans: Substitute chickpeas with white beans like Great Northern or cannellini for a different flavor.
  • Vegetables: Add cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for more variety.
  • Greens: Replace kale with spinach, arugula, or Swiss chard.
  • Pasta: Use whole wheat, lentil, or chickpea pasta for added nutrition.
  • Cheese: For a vegetarian version, omit Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
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