Broccoli Chickpea Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil

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Comforting, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful, this Broccoli Chickpea Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil is the kind of dish that makes healthy eating feel indulgent. It combines the heartiness of chickpeas, the freshness of broccoli, and the simplicity of garlic-infused olive oil to create a weeknight dinner that feels gourmet without the fuss. With just a few wholesome ingredients and less than 30 minutes from start to finish, this pasta bowl proves that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated.

Perfect for those nights when you want something satisfying and plant-based, this recipe is protein-rich thanks to the chickpeas and packed with fiber from the broccoli. Tossed with al dente pasta and a golden garlic olive oil drizzle, it’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors—a little nutty, a little spicy, and incredibly cozy.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best?

Short pastas like rigatoni, penne, or orecchiette are ideal for this recipe. They hold onto the olive oil and garlic beautifully and allow the chickpeas and broccoli to nestle right into the pasta nooks. You could use whole wheat or gluten-free options depending on your dietary needs.

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Ingredients for the Broccoli Chickpea Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil

• Broccoli Florets: Lightly steamed, they bring color, texture, and a nutrient boost.
• Chickpeas: These add protein and a subtle nutty flavor. Use canned for convenience.
• Pasta: Rigatoni or similar shapes are great for holding the oil and garlic.
• Garlic: Thinly sliced and sautéed to golden perfection, infusing the oil with flavor.
• Olive Oil: The backbone of the sauce, rich and aromatic.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For a little kick that brings the dish to life.
• Parmesan (optional): Adds a salty umami punch if you’re not keeping it vegan.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.

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How To Make the Broccoli Chickpea Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Wash and chop the broccoli into small florets. Rinse and drain the canned chickpeas. Slice the garlic thinly so it infuses the oil evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, toss in the broccoli florets. This will lightly steam them while saving you an extra dish.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta and broccoli cook, heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—this step infuses the oil with rich garlic flavor.

Step 4: Add Chickpeas and Spice

To the garlic oil, add the chickpeas and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let them cook for a few minutes so the chickpeas heat through and soak up the garlicky oil.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving a little pasta water. Add them to the skillet and toss everything together. If the mixture looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Serve warm with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if desired. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top just before serving adds another layer of flavor.

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How to Serve and Store Broccoli Chickpea Pasta

This pasta is best served warm straight from the skillet, finished with a touch of Parmesan or an extra drizzle of olive oil. If you’re planning a gathering, it also holds up well on a buffet table as a room-temperature dish. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or crusty bread for a more complete meal.

For storing, allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen up the pasta and refresh the flavors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Just thaw it before adding to the pasta water. It will cook faster than fresh, so adjust the timing accordingly.

What can I substitute for chickpeas?

White beans, such as cannellini or great northern beans, work well as a substitute.

Is this dish vegan?

It can be! Just skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.

Can I make it spicy?

Definitely. Increase the red pepper flakes or add a touch of chili oil for extra heat.

How can I add more protein?

Consider topping it with grilled tofu or tossing in cooked lentils for a heartier meal.

What type of olive oil is best?

Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor since it’s a key ingredient in this recipe.

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Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Broccoli Chickpea Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil, you might enjoy these other savory and comforting dishes:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan for a creamy, protein-packed option.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce when you’re in the mood for something rich and indulgent.
• Sweet Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta for a unique balance of sweet and savory.
• One Skillet Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta for a bold, flavor-packed dinner.
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta if you’re craving a comforting classic with a twist.

For even more recipe inspiration, follow me on Pinterest at Life with Nina Recipes, where I share new ideas daily!

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the garlic? Add lemon zest for a citrusy finish?

I love seeing your kitchen creations and hearing your flavor twists. Got questions? Drop them below and let’s cook smarter together!

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