Garlic Olive Oil Broccoli Chickpea Pasta
⏱ Prep: 10 mins 🍝 Cook: 20 mins 🍽 Servings: 4
🛒 Ingredients
12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
3 cups broccoli florets
1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Zest and juice of ½ lemon
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
2. Meanwhile, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then stir in the red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Add the broccoli, chickpeas, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
5. Toss in the cooked pasta, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a splash of the reserved pasta water until everything is well coated.
6. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan (if using) and fresh parsley.
7. Serve warm with extra Parmesan and black pepper, if desired.
💡 Tip: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or keep it vegetarian for a simple Mediterranean-inspired meal.
