Description
Looking for a quick dinner that’s healthy, flavorful, and satisfying? This Broccoli Chickpea Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil combines tender pasta, fresh broccoli, protein-packed chickpeas, and aromatic garlic in a light olive oil sauce finished with bright lemon juice. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, healthy lunch ideas, meal prep, and anyone craving a wholesome vegetarian pasta packed with fresh Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 250g pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- 300g broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 60ml olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 60ml vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 30g grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
- Add the broccoli during the last 3–4 minutes of cooking.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.
- Stir in the chickpeas and vegetable broth and cook for several minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet.
- Toss everything until evenly coated.
- Stir in the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese, if using.
- Add reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to create a silky, glossy sauce.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the brightest flavor.
- Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch and richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 435 kcal per serving
Keywords: broccoli chickpea pasta, garlic olive oil pasta, healthy vegetarian pasta, easy pasta dinner, broccoli pasta recipe, chickpea pasta recipe, Mediterranean pasta, quick dinner recipe