Description
This Roasted Broccoli and Chickpea Lemon Pasta is a vibrant, plant-based dish that combines perfectly roasted broccoli and chickpeas with zesty lemon and whole grain pasta. It offers a nutritious, protein-packed meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner bursting with fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Legumes
- 4 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Other Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 lemon (or two if you prefer extra lemon flavor), zest and juice
- 8 ounces whole grain elbow pasta
- 1/2 cup vegan parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Pat the rinsed chickpeas dry with a towel or paper towel to remove excess moisture. Place the chickpeas and chopped broccoli florets on the baking sheet. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil or spray lightly to coat. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the broccoli edges become golden brown and crispy.
- Cook Pasta: While the broccoli and chickpeas are roasting, cook the whole grain elbow pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, warm the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then reduce the heat to the low setting.
- Combine and Season: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil. Then incorporate the roasted broccoli and chickpeas. Squeeze in the juice and add the zest of one lemon. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything together thoroughly to combine all the flavors and heat through gently.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and generously sprinkle vegan parmesan cheese on top. Serve warm and enjoy a nutritious, flavorful meal.
Notes
- This recipe requires only 7 ingredients and can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it a convenient and wholesome plant-based option.
- Using whole grain pasta adds fiber and nutrients, enhancing the dish’s health benefits.
- Adjust the amount of lemon to your preferred tanginess; using two lemons will give the dish a more pronounced lemon flavor.
- Drying the chickpeas well before roasting helps achieve a crispier texture.
- You can substitute vegan parmesan with nutritional yeast or your preferred vegan cheese alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 408 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 34 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
