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To make Lemon Garlic Chickpea Pasta, gather these key ingredients: - 8 oz whole wheat pasta (spaghetti or linguine) - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon (juice and zest) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient adds its own flavor and nutrition. Whole wheat pasta gives you fiber. Chickpeas bring protein and heartiness. Garlic adds a sharp taste, while lemon brightens the dish. You can elevate your dish with these optional ingredients: - Grated Parmesan cheese This cheese adds a creamy, salty touch. You can also serve with a lemon wedge for extra zest. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can enhance the flavor too. If you need substitutes, here are some ideas: - Use gluten-free pasta instead of whole wheat. - Swap chickpeas for white beans if desired. - Try shallots or leeks instead of garlic for a different taste. - Use lemon juice from a bottle if fresh lemon is not available. These swaps can help fit your dietary needs or what you have on hand. Remember, cooking is all about creativity! First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of whole wheat pasta. You can use spaghetti or linguine. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté them for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to smell great but not burn. Burning garlic will ruin the dish's flavor. After that, add 1 can of rinsed and drained chickpeas. Sauté them for another 2 to 3 minutes. This warms them up and lets them soak in the garlic oil. Now it’s time to combine everything. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the chickpeas and garlic. Mix them well to combine. Then, add the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Pour in the reserved pasta water too. Toss everything together again. Let it cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This allows the sauce to coat the pasta. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. To serve, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. For a fun touch, serve the pasta in bowls. Drizzle some extra olive oil on top and add a sprinkle of lemon zest. You can also add a lemon wedge on the side for color and freshness. Enjoy your meal! Cook your pasta just right. Follow the package instructions for al dente. This means the pasta should be firm, but not hard. Start checking the pasta a minute early. Drain it, but save some pasta water. This water helps the sauce stick later. Use fresh herbs for bright taste. Chopped parsley adds color and flavor. Red pepper flakes give a kick. You can add more or less to fit your taste. A squeeze of lemon juice adds freshness. Zest the lemon too for extra zing. Make your dish look great. Serve in white bowls to show off the colors. Drizzle with olive oil for shine. A sprinkle of lemon zest adds brightness. Place a lemon wedge on the side for a pop of color. This makes your meal inviting and fun. {{image_2}} You can boost the nutrition of your Lemon Garlic Chickpea Pasta by adding veggies. Try spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. These veggies add color and taste. Just sauté them with the garlic and chickpeas for a few minutes. They will get tender and soak in all the flavors. You can mix and match based on what you like or have on hand. If you want a gluten-free choice, use gluten-free pasta. There are many great options, like chickpea or rice pasta. These work well with the lemon and garlic. You can also make this dish vegan by skipping the Parmesan cheese. Instead, add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor that is plant-based. You don’t have to stick to just spaghetti or linguine. Try penne, rotini, or fettuccine for a fun twist. Each pasta shape holds the sauce differently, giving you a new taste. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type you choose. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures! To store your Lemon Garlic Chickpea Pasta, let it cool. Use an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. Stir often until heated through. You can also microwave it in a safe dish. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. You can freeze Lemon Garlic Chickpea Pasta for later. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, follow the reheating instructions above. This makes meal prep easy and quick! This dish takes just 15 minutes from start to finish. You can cook the pasta while you sauté the garlic and chickpeas. It’s quick and perfect for busy days. Yes, this recipe is already vegan! It uses chickpeas, pasta, and olive oil, which are all plant-based. Just skip the Parmesan cheese if you want to keep it vegan. You can serve this pasta with a simple green salad or garlic bread. Add a side of roasted veggies for extra flavor and nutrition. To boost protein, add more chickpeas or toss in some cooked lentils. You can also mix in grilled chicken or shrimp if you prefer animal protein. Absolutely! Canned chickpeas save time and work just as well. Just rinse and drain them before cooking. They add great flavor and texture to your pasta. This blog post covered a simple and tasty dish: Lemon Garlic Chickpea Pasta. We explored main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance flavor. Plus, we shared storage info and answered common questions. Incorporating these ideas will make your dish shine. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and serving options. This recipe is easy, healthy, and fun. You can impress anyone with your cooking skills. Keep it fresh and enjoy every bite!

Lemon Garlic Chickpea Pasta 15-Minute

Satisfy your cravings with this easy and delicious Lemon Garlic Chickpea Pasta recipe! In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a healthy meal packed with flavor from garlic, lemon, and chickpeas. This dish is not only quick to make but also perfect for a weeknight dinner. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your pasta night with this vibrant and nutritious option!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz whole wheat pasta (spaghetti or linguine)

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon (juice and zest)

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.

    Sauté Garlic and Chickpeas: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute). Be careful not to burn the garlic.

      Combine Chickpeas: Add the rinsed chickpeas to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, allowing them to warm up and soak up the flavors.

        Add Pasta: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the chickpeas. Mix well to combine.

          Dress the Pasta: Add the lemon juice, zest, and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

            Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley and optional grated Parmesan cheese.

              Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in bowls, drizzling with extra olive oil and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright finish. Add a lemon wedge on the side for an extra pop of color and freshness.