Easy Homemade Recipes

  • Recipe Box
    • Blog
  • About Me
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Box
  • Subscribe
  • About Me
  • Contact
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Box
  • Subscribe
  • About Me
  • Contact
×
Home » Recipes » Main Entrées

Pasta with Chickpeas

Published: Jun 22, 2020 by AmyG Modified On: Feb 3, 2025. This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment.

This nutritious Pasta with Chickpeas and Kale makes the perfect supper when you are in a hurry and have no clue what to make.  Rich in protein and made with a few staples you’ve got hidden in your pantry, this pasta dish will turn the hungry into happy satisfied peeps!

Like pasta dishes with vegetables? Try my Pasta with Creamy Garlic and Mushroom, Pasta with Ricotta and Peas, my Pasta alla Norma, or Baked Feta and Tomato.

pasta with garbanzo beans in a white plate
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Jump to:
  • Here's Why You'll Love this Dish
  • Garbanzo Beans vs. Chickpeas
  • Are there Different Varieties of Kale?
  • Why Simple Pasta Dishes are Better
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make Pasta with Chickpeas
  • Pasta and the Finish
  • Storage
  • Top Tips
  • Substitutions and Variations
  • Side Dishes for Your Next Meal
  • Recipe Details
  • PIN it for later.
  • Other Recipes to Try:
  • Comments

If you like baked pasta, you will find the perfect baked pasta in this collection of Baked Pasta Dishes for any Diet or try this Italian Wedding Egg Drop Soup for an upscale soup that's hearty.

Here's Why You'll Love this Dish

  • quick and easy dinner that's on the table in less than 30 minutes
  • inexpensive ingredients make this meal and option for times when you need to eat but don't want to break the bank
  • great taste that all will love, kids included
  • customizable ingredients mean that you can add any vegetable you want
  • nutrient dish that's filled with nutrient dense foods

This page contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Garbanzo Beans vs. Chickpeas

Really garbanzo beans and chickpeas are the same bean.  They just have a different name. We have been eating these beans for several centuries and they are more widely known as Chickpeas.  The term Garbanzo bean came from Spanish terminology. Regardless, beans whether chickpeas, kidney, soy are a stable in all cultures.

Are there Different Varieties of Kale?

I bet you never thought the day would come when you had to make a decision on what type of kale to use in a meal, let along in a pasta dish.  Well, here we are.  There are dozens of different types of kale variations.  You can visit expertsure to learn more about the different types of kale.

In addition, if you don't have access to fresh kale or spinach, you also have the option to use greens from the freezer section.  Frozen kale or spinach works very well in this dish for for pasta with chickpeas.

Why Simple Pasta Dishes are Better

What makes this pasta with chickpeas and kale so special?  Simplicity.  There is no sauce to make.  This dish can literally be made and on the table in less than 30 minutes. You just need a few staples from the pantry like chickpeas and pasta and some frozen kale.

So what if you don't have chickpeas or kale or rigatoni?  No problem. You don't need to worry your little head about it.  You can interchange these ingredients for any kind of bean, any kind of green leafy vegetable like spinach and any kind of pasta.

Ingredients

This dish is made of few ingredients, included: chickpeas, kale, pasta, garlic, parmesan cheese, seasoning and some reserved pasta water.

For exact measurement details see recipe card...

How to Make Pasta with Chickpeas

Use this section for process shots, alternating between the step and image showing the step. Users don't like seeing process shots cluttering up the recipe card, so include your process shots here.

drained garbanzo beans

Drain and wash chickpeas and set aside.

boiling pasta in a silver pot filled with water

In a large pot, bring water to boil, add salt and pasta.

cut kale on a wooden cutting board

Clean and cut the kale if you are using fresh kale. No need to thaw out frozen kale.

garbanzo beans and kale mixture in a pan cooking

Meanwhile, in a large frypan, heat up olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add chickpeas and kale. Add salt, and pepper.

Sauté mixture until the kale has wilted and the ingredients meld together.

Place the drained pasta in the serving bowl and scoop the sauce over the pasta, add the cheese and mix well. If the pasta is too dry add in the reserved pasta water and combine. The pasta water will help to fully coat the pasta with the sauce because of the starch released from the pasta. Serve in a bowl, add more cheese if desired! Bon appetite!

Pasta and the Finish

You’ve gone through all this trouble to plan your meal. Don’t ruin it by making soggy pasta.  Always cook your past as directed by the product instructions and remove the pasta when it’s al dente. Al dente means cooked but firm to the bite.

This chickpea and kale pasta dish combination is perfect for rigatoni or penne pasta.  But, if you are not into rigatoni or penne, you can pretty much use any type of pasta like spaghetti, orecchiette, gnocchi, linguine, etc...

When I'm making a sauce or any type of addition to a past dish, I like to make the sauce or sauté the vegetables in a frypan. I'll cook it up in the frypan and then I'll add the pasta to the frypan and combine all the ingredients.  If you do this, don't forget to save some pasta water.

Pasta water has starch that has been released by the pasta.  That starch helps to allow the sauce or pasta topper to stick to the pasta as you mix it in the pan or in a bowl.

And, of course, top your pasta off with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Oh and by the way don’t buy cheese that comes in a jar in the grocery isle.  All good cheese can be found in the deli-cheese section not on a shelf in an isle.

Storage

This pasta dish stores quite nicely, warmed up the next day. Remember to use an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for not more than 2 to 3 days.

To warm up, place in a skillet with a little bit of olive oil or warm up in the microwave.

Freezing leftovers is not recommended.

Top Tips

When I'm making a sauce or any type of addition to a past dish, I like to make the sauce or sauté the vegetables in a frypan. I'll cook it up in the frypan and then I'll add the pasta to the frypan and combine all the ingredients.  If you do this, don't forget to save some pasta water.

Pasta water has starch that has been released by the pasta.  That starch helps to allow the sauce or pasta topper to stick to the pasta as you mix it in the pan or in a bowl.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some great variations to make this dish different:

  • Hot Oil - add hot oil or chilli flakes to spice things up
  • Black Eyed Peas - use a different type of bean like cannellini beans and make traditional pasta and fagioli
  • Marinara Sauce - the beef hamburger can be replaced with a plant-based burger to make this vegetarian

This is another time when you can get creative. The perfect recipe isn't that far away. I'd love to know how you substituted ingredients to fit your dietary needs. Drop a comment below and let me know!

Side Dishes for Your Next Meal

  • peas and mushrooms in a white plate
    Italian Peas and Mushrooms
  • Sauteed Kale and Potatoes in a white plate
    Sautéed Kale and Potatoes Recipe
  • Polpette di Riso in a white plate
    Polpette di Riso (Balls of Rice)
  • Fried Cauliflower in a white plate
    Fried Cauliflower Italian Style

Recipe Details

Rigatoni with Garbanzo Beans and Kale in a plate

Pasta with Chickpeas and Kale

https://easyhomemaderecipes.ca
AmyG
This nutritious Pasta with Chick Peas and Kale makes the perfect supper when you are in a hurry and have no clue what to make.  Rich in protein and made with a few staples you’ve got hidden in your pantry, this pasta dish will turn the hungry into happy satisfied peeps!
Like pasta dishes with vegetables? Try my Pasta with Creamy Garlic and Mushroom, Pasta with Ricotta and Peas, my Pasta alla Norma, or Baked Feta and Tomato.
5 from 2 votes
Prevent your screen from going dark
Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Entrées
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 1847 kcal

Equipment

  • Pots and Pans
  • spider strainer
  • wooden cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 15 oz pasta rigatoni or short pasta, cooked and drained
  • 1 clove garlic
  • ½ cups olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 100 oz chickpeas or garbanzo beans, drained
  • 1 cups kale fresh or frozen
  • ground pepper to taste
  • ¾ cups pasta water reserved (prior to draining pasta)
  • ½ cups parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring water to boil, add salt and pasta. Clean and cut the kale if you are using fresh kale. No need to thaw out frozen kale.
    15 oz pasta, 1 cups kale
  • Meanwhile, in a large frypan, heat up olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add chickpeas and kale. Add salt, and pepper. Check on pasta, stirring occasionally.
    1 clove garlic, ½ cups olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 100 oz chickpeas, ground pepper
  • Sauté mixture until the kale has wilted and the ingredients meld together. Set aside and keep warm. You will want to remove pasta when it is slightly hard (al dente). Before you drain the pasta, remove about ¾ of the pasta water and place in the pasta serving bowl. (otherwise, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water for use when combining all ingredients)
    ¾ cups pasta water
  • Place the drained pasta in the serving bowl and scoop the sauce over the pasta, add the cheese and mix well. If the pasta is too dry add in the reserved pasta water and combine. The pasta water will help to fully coat the pasta with the sauce because of the starch released from the pasta. Serve in a bowl, add more cheese if desired! Bon appetite!
    ½ cups parmesan cheese

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 1847kcalCarbohydrates: 275gProtein: 81gFat: 50gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gMonounsaturated Fat: 25gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 843mgPotassium: 2333mgFiber: 57gSugar: 37gVitamin A: 814IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 534mgIron: 22mg
Keyword garbanzo beans, kale, pasta
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

PIN it for later.

Rigatoni with Garbanzo Beans and Kale PIN

Other Recipes to Try:

  • Pasta e Fagioli from the Lazy Slow Cooker

More Main Dish Ideas

  • Pork Braciole in a white plate drizzled with Pesto Sauce
    Italian Pork Braciole Stuffed with Prosciutto & Ground Beef
  • fried chicken cutlets in a white plate
    Easy Italian Chicken Cutlets
  • Veal Piccata garnished with sliced lemons and parsley
    Italian Veal Piccata
  • steak pizzaiola in a white plate garnished with parsley
    Steak Pizzaiola Recipe

Comments

No Comments

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.


Recent Recipes

  • Veal marsala in a white plate
    Italian Veal Marsala without Cream

  • frutti di bosco on a wooden cutting board with one slice removed
    Frutti di Bosco Tart

  • collage of ground veal recipes
    Ground Veal Recipes for Your Next Dinner

  • pickled eggplant in a white bowl
    Mom's Pickled Eggplant Recipe

  • Italian Torrone with Nuts FI
    Soft and Chewy Italian Torrone (Nougat)

  • Single Serve Desserts Collage
    Single Serve Desserts Perfect for Two

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
and get ready to take your puff pastry game to the next level with our FREE e-book, because life is too short to settle for mediocre pastries.
Yes! Send me a FREE eBook, I want to make pastries like a pro!

This page contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

About Me

Picture of Amy Outside

Hey, I'm Amy! And I'm so happy you're here!! So many of my favorite memories in life seem to take place around the table, especially when surrounded by the people I love. And of course, all the better when nourished by some seriously delicious food.

Stick around and explore the site to get great ideas.

Learn more about me →

Affiliate Links Message

*This page may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site!

  • Paleo

  • Whole30

  • Desserts

  • Main Entrées


  • Poultry

  • Meatless

  • Seafood

  • Beef

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • About Me

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Reach Out

  • Contact
  • Work With Me

Copyright © 2025 Easy Homemade Recipes
Cook'd Pro using the Feast Theme Plugin

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.