This lemon chickpea pasta recipe with Farfalle pasta is a breeze to whip up, ready in just 20 minutes! Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also a fan favourite. Whether you’re packing a lunchbox or need a quick dinner idea, this dish has got you covered. With its zesty and flavourful combination of ingredients, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Table of contents
Ingredients for the Lemon Chickpea Pasta Recipe
- Farfalle
- Chick peas
- Lemon
- Garlic
- Long red chilli
- Honey
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Spinach leaves
- Basil
- Salt and pepper
- Ricotta
Why Farfalle pasta?
Farfalle pasta is a great choice for this lemon chickpea pasta recipe because its unique bow-tie shape holds onto the zesty lemon dressing and other ingredients perfectly. The ridges and folds of farfalle help capture bits of chickpeas and veggies in each bite, ensuring a well-balanced and flavourful dish. Plus, it adds a fun texture that makes the salad more visually appealing!
The lemon chilli dressing
This zesty dressing is a standout recipe all on its own. Once you’ve whipped up a batch, you’ll find yourself wanting to keep some extra in the fridge. It’s perfect for drizzling over salads, marinating chicken or prawns, and it’s simply downright delicious.
- Salad Dressing:
Drizzle the lemon chilli dressing over your favourite green salads or grain salads for a zesty kick. - Marinade:
Use the dressing as a quick marinade for chicken, shrimp, tofu, or vegetables before grilling, roasting, or sautéing. - Dip:
Serve the dressing as a dipping sauce for bread or grilled vegetables. - Roasted Vegetables:
Use the dressing to coat roasted vegetables before cooking for added flavour and moisture. - Grain Bowl Topping:
Drizzle the lemon chilli dressing over grain bowls or Buddha bowls for a bright and tangy finishing touch.
FAQ for this lemon chickpea pasta salad
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti would work well with this recipe.
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage would be delicious additions to this pasta dish. Simply cook the meat separately and toss it in with the pasta and other ingredients before serving.
Yes, you can substitute ricotta with crumbled feta, goat cheese, or grated Parmesan for a different flavour profile. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
A simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables would complement this pasta dish nicely.
This chickpea pasta recipe is a simple yet flavourful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The bright lemon dressing combined with hearty chickpea pasta and fresh veggies makes it both nutritious and satisfying. Once you give it a try, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation—quick, healthy, and delicious!
Lemon Chickpea Pasta Recipe
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Lemon Chickpea Pasta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Lemon Chilli Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon Lemon zest, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 cloves Garlic, peeled and crushed
- 1 Long red chilli, halved lengthways, seeds discarded, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of Honey, optional
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta:
- 320g Farfalle
- 800g canned Chick peas, rinsed and drained
- 140g Spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup Basil, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 100g Ricotta, crumbled, for serving
- Extra virgin olive oil, extra for drizzling
Instructions
Lemon Chilli Dressing:
- Combine the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and thinly sliced chilli in a medium sized bowl.
- Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with salt, black pepper, and honey if desired. Let it rest.
For the rest:
- Cook pasta in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking water, and keep pasta warm.
- Meanwhile rinse the chickpeas and mix into the lemon chilli dressing. (See Note 1)
- Mix the marinated chickpeas through the farfalle, adding pasta water to loosen the mixture a little at a time as required.
- Toss through the spinach and basil, and then season. Serve immediately sprinkled with ricotta and drizzled with extra oil.
Notes
- Marinate the chickpeas in the dressing for up to an hour – If you have a little extra time, this step will enhance the flavours.
Make the dressing and pour it over the chickpea mixture. Toss to ensure even coating. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to an hour, stirring halfway through to ensure thorough marination before adding to the pasta.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
More recipes with Avocado
Why is avocado good for you?
Avocado in this lemon chickpea pasta salad not only adds a creamy texture but is also packed with healthy fats, fibre, and essential vitamins that support heart health and digestion. Learn more about the health benefits of avocado and why it’s a nutritious addition to your diet!
10 Science-Backed Benefits of Chickpeas
“Chickpeas are affordable, versatile, and highly nutritious. They may aid weight management, protect against chronic disease, and promote several other aspects of health.”
Read more on Healthline.com; it’s just 10 more reasons to love this Lemon chickpea pasta recipe!
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