Chickpea Spaghetti Delight
This Chickpea Spaghetti Delight is a tantalizing twist on a classic Italian dish that marries the heartiness of spaghetti with the creamy texture of chickpeas. Inspired by Rachael Ray's quick cooking methods, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight yet sophisticated enough to impress guests. The infused garlic, spicy red pepper flakes, and the rich taste of crushed tomatoes create a mouth-watering sauce that is both comforting and satisfying. Enjoy it topped with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for a delightful finish. Serve it alongside a crisp salad for a complete meal in under 30 minutes!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti
1 lb (uncooked)
salt
to taste (for boiling pasta and seasoning)
extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
garlic cloves
3-4 (minced)
canned chickpeas
1 (14 ounce) can (drained)
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
hot water
1/4 cup (starchy water from cooking pasta)
chicken stock or dry white wine
1/2 cup
crushed tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can
flat leaf parsley
to taste (chopped for garnish)
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
to taste (freshly grated for garnish and serving)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by filling a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
2
2. While the spaghetti is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to the pan and swirl it around, followed by the crushed red pepper flakes and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
3
3. Drain the canned chickpeas and place them in a food processor. Pulse the chickpeas until they are finely chopped but not puréed. Add the chopped chickpeas to the skillet and season with dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until heated through.
4
4. Add 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water and either the chicken stock or dry white wine to the chickpea mixture. Stir and let it cook for about 30 seconds, then add the crushed tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes are warmed through, and taste to adjust the seasoning as necessary.
5
5. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it (do not rinse) and either combine it directly in the skillet with the sauce or pour the sauce over the pasta in a serving dish. Toss well with tongs until the spaghetti is evenly coated.
6
6. Finish the dish by garnishing with chopped flat leaf parsley and freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Serve immediately with extra cheese on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chickpea Spaghetti Delight?
It is a quick Italian-inspired dish that combines spaghetti with a hearty sauce of chickpeas, garlic, and crushed tomatoes.
How long does the recipe take to prepare?
This meal is designed to be prepared and served in under 30 minutes.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, as long as you use vegetable stock or dry white wine instead of chicken stock.
What are the main ingredients required?
The core ingredients are 1 lb of spaghetti, canned chickpeas, minced garlic, and crushed tomatoes.
How should I prepare the chickpeas for the sauce?
Drain the canned chickpeas and pulse them in a food processor until finely chopped but not puréed.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
A food processor is recommended for chopping the chickpeas, but you can also chop them finely by hand with a knife.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While spaghetti is the traditional choice for this recipe, other long or short pasta shapes will work well.
What provides the spicy kick in this dish?
The heat in the sauce comes from the addition of a 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 to 4 minced garlic cloves to be sautéed in extra virgin olive oil.
Can I substitute the chicken stock?
Yes, you can substitute chicken stock with 1/2 cup of dry white wine or vegetable stock.
Is dry white wine necessary for the sauce?
No, the wine is an optional alternative to chicken stock used to add a layer of sophistication to the flavor.
Why should I use starchy pasta water?
The starchy water helps bind the sauce together and ensures it adheres perfectly to the spaghetti.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this sauce?
The recipe specifically requires one 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes for the best texture.
How do I achieve an al dente texture for the spaghetti?
Cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water according to the package instructions until it is firm to the bite.
Should I rinse the spaghetti after boiling?
No, you should drain the spaghetti but do not rinse it, as the starch on the pasta helps the sauce stick.
What kind of olive oil should I use for sautéing?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor and higher quality.
What herbs are included in the seasoning?
The sauce is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
What cheese is recommended for the topping?
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is the ideal choice for finishing this dish.
How is the dish finished and garnished?
The dish is garnished with chopped flat leaf parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated cheese.
What is a good side dish to serve with this?
A crisp, fresh salad is the perfect accompaniment to balance the heartiness of the pasta.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by using vegetable stock and omitting the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese garnish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The base recipe is not gluten-free, but it can be made so by using a gluten-free spaghetti alternative.
Who is the inspiration behind this cooking style?
The recipe is inspired by Rachael Ray's quick and sophisticated weeknight cooking methods.
How do I avoid burning the garlic?
Sauté the garlic over medium heat for only 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
What can I do if I don't have fresh parsley?
You can omit the parsley or use a small amount of dried parsley, though fresh provides a brighter finish.
Can I add extra vegetables to the sauce?
Yes, adding ingredients like baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms would complement the chickpea sauce.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Absolutely, it is a complete and satisfying meal that takes less than half an hour to prepare.
Can I use fresh chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, but the chickpeas must be pre-cooked until tender before you pulse them in the food processor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Using 1 pound of spaghetti and 14 ounces of chickpeas typically serves 4 to 6 people.