Gather these simple ingredients for a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious:
- 8 oz penne, rigatoni, or fusilli pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup tahini
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup warm water (more as needed for consistency)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
Follow these steps to create a delicious and creamy meal:
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Step 3: Spread the seasoned chickpeas on a baking sheet and roast them for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 5: In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and warm water until smooth and creamy. Adjust the water amount to reach a desired consistency.
- Step 6: Toss the cooked pasta with the tahini sauce until well coated.
- Step 7: Top with roasted chickpeas.
- Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tahini Pasta with Roasted Chickpeas
- For an extra kick of flavor, add crushed red pepper flakes to your tahini sauce.
- Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables; sautéed spinach or roasted bell peppers pair wonderfully with this dish.
- If you want more protein, consider adding grilled chicken or tofu as a topping.
- Letting the chickpeas cool slightly after roasting will keep them crispy when added to the pasta.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for easy meal prep throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options such as rice pasta or a gluten-free blend.
2. How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
3. Is tahini high in calories?
Tahini is calorie-dense but is also rich in healthy fats and nutrients. It provides a good source of protein and can be included in a balanced diet.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
While the sauce freezes well, the pasta and chickpeas may not retain their original textures after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen separately for later use.
5. What can I use instead of tahini?
If you’re out of tahini, you can substitute it with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or make a nut-based sauce using your preferred nut butter.
Conclusion
This Creamy Tahini Pasta with Roasted Chickpeas is a delightful and satisfying dish that is bound to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. The creamy tahini sauce combined with the crunch of roasted chickpeas makes for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, and don’t hesitate to personalize it with your favorite toppings and veggies. Dare to try this recipe today, and relish the deliciousness!
