Roasted Broccoli and Chickpea Lemon Pasta
A quick and wholesome pasta dish featuring roasted broccoli and chickpeas, finished with bright lemon flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Pasta (spaghetti, penne, rotini, etc.) Use short pasta for better chickpea holding.
- 1 lb Broccoli florets Fresh or frozen. If frozen, roast longer.
- 1 can Canned chickpeas Drain and rinse before roasting.
- 3 Tbsp Olive oil Adjust according to your preference.
- 1 each Lemon (zest and juice) Adds brightness.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh is best, but powder can be used.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan, grated Optional; substitute with nutritional yeast for vegan.
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes Adjust based on heat preference.
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.
Optional Additional Ingredients
- 1 handful Arugula To make it feel special.
- 1/4 cup Toasted pine nuts For added texture.
- 1 Tbsp Pesto For extra flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a sheet pan for easier cleanup.
- Toss broccoli florets and chickpeas with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if desired. Spread them out on the prepared sheet pan.
Cooking
- Roast the broccoli and chickpeas in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until the broccoli has crispy tips and the chickpeas are golden.
- While the broccoli and chickpeas are roasting, cook pasta in salted boiling water. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In the empty pasta pot or a large bowl, combine a splash of olive oil, minced garlic (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Add the drained pasta, roasted broccoli, and chickpeas to the pot. Toss well to combine.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve desired consistency. Finish with grated Parmesan (if using), more lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
Serving
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt, lemon, or Parmesan as necessary.
Notes
This dish is forgiving, so feel free to tweak ingredients and seasonings to your taste! Leftovers are great after a day in the fridge, and can be revitalized with a fresh squeeze of lemon.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 400mgFiber: 10gSugar: 3g