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:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped shallot and garlic; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. 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.
3. Add Vegetables and Chickpeas:
- Remove the lid, add halved cherry tomatoes and chickpeas. Stir to combine.
- Continue to cook for another 6 minutes.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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.
