Zesty Chickpeas and Shells
Brighten up your dinner table with this vibrant and satisfying recipe for Zesty Chickpeas and Shells! This quick and easy dish combines tender pasta shells with protein-packed chickpeas, all enveloped in a light, citrusy garlic-lemon sauce spiced with red pepper flakes. Fresh parsley and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese elevate the flavors, making every bite irresistible. With only 25 minutes from prep to plate, this vegetarian recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for guests. Serve it as a hearty main or a flavorful side that pairs beautifully with roasted veggies or a crisp green salad. Discover how this simple yet bold dish can become a staple in your recipe rotation!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta shells
- 15 ounces canned chickpeas
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 units garlic cloves
- 1 unit lemon
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 0.25 cups fresh parsley
- 0.33 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 cups pasta cooking water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, drain and rinse the canned chickpeas under cold water. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
Zest the lemon and then juice it. Add the lemon zest, half of the lemon juice, and the red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir and cook for 30 seconds.
Reduce the heat to low and add the chickpeas to the skillet. Stir to coat them in the lemon-garlic mixture, and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet. Gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, to create a light sauce that coats the pasta and chickpeas.
Stir in the fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon juice or salt if needed.
Serve the Zesty Chickpeas and Shells immediately, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2128 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 62.8 g | 81% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.8 g | 64% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 26 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 4067 mg | 177% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 330.8 g | 120% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 37.3 g | 133% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.5 g | ||
| Protein | 73.0 g | 146% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 558 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 18.4 mg | 102% | |
| Potassium | 1009 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
