Authentic Pasta e Ceci Recipe
Pasta e Ceci is a comforting and hearty Italian dish made with pasta and chickpeas in a rich, savory broth. This simple yet flavorful meal is perfect for a cozy dinner, offering a balance of protein, fiber, and delicious Mediterranean flavors.Easy to prepare and highly nutritious, it's a great go-to recipe for any pasta lover looking for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas or 1 can, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 stalk celery diced
- 1 small carrot diced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes or tomato puree for a richer taste
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water with bouillon
- 1 cup small pasta ditalini, tubetti, or broken spaghetti
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, for a different twist
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish, optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Substitutions:
- Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta.
- Vegan? Skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.
- Want extra protein? Add cooked chicken or pancetta.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas
- If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook until tender (about 90 minutes). If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them well.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in fresh rosemary and red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Simmer the Base
- Add diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, letting the flavors develop.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add chickpeas and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Blend for a Creamier Texture (Optional)
- For a creamy consistency, blend half the chickpeas and broth with an immersion blender before adding the pasta.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
- Add the pasta directly into the pot and simmer until tender (about 10 minutes). Stir occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Step 6: Finish & Serve
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.