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Creamy Vegan Chickpea Pasta

This vegan chickpea pasta features a silky, plant-based sauce made by blending chickpeas into a smooth, creamy base. Tossed with al dente pasta and flavored with garlic, lemon, and nutritional yeast, it offers a comforting, hearty texture with bright, zesty notes. The dish comes together quickly, resulting in a satisfying, dairy-free meal with a glossy, inviting appearance.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta (fusilli or rigatoni) preferably hearty and textured
  • 1 can canned chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 2 cloves garlic roughly chopped
  • 1 lemon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin preferred
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast adds cheesy umami flavor
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • water or plant-based milk as needed water or plant-based milk to loosen sauce if needed

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Blender or immersion blender
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Spatula or spoon

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, drain and rinse your can of chickpeas. Measure out a few for garnish if desired.
  3. In a blender, combine the chickpeas, chopped garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and silky, adding water or plant-based milk if needed to achieve a creamy consistency. The mixture should be bright and thick but pourable.
  4. Pour the chickpea sauce into a skillet over medium heat. Warm for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently until fragrant and slightly bubbling.
  5. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece evenly, allowing the sauce to cling and shimmer on the pasta. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  6. Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of water or plant-based milk to loosen it.
  7. Transfer the pasta to serving bowls, garnish with reserved chickpeas or fresh herbs if you like, and enjoy immediately while warm and silky.