Easy Puttanesca Pasta with Chickpeas Recipe

If you are looking for a vibrant, hearty, and satisfying dish that bursts with flavor, this Puttanesca Pasta with Chickpeas recipe will quickly become your go-to meal. Packed with briny olives, juicy tomatoes, smoky turkey bacon, and protein-rich chickpeas, it balances savory and zesty notes beautifully. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic Italian-inspired pasta with a wholesome twist that promises comfort and ease all in one pot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful simplicity: Every ingredient packs a punch, creating a rich and savory sauce without complexity.
• Protein-packed: Chickpeas add a hearty texture and boost the protein content for a filling plant-based option.
• Quick to prepare: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile and adaptable: Easily modified to suit your pantry, preferences, or dietary needs.
• Bold Mediterranean vibe: Olives, tomatoes, and natural gelling agent create an authentic taste that transports you straight to the coast of Italy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses straightforward pantry staples, each chosen to add vibrant taste, texture, or aroma to your Puttanesca Pasta with Chickpeas. Together, they make a harmonious dish that feels both homey and sophisticated.

• Smoked turkey bacon: Provides a smoky depth and crisps up nicely for texture contrast.
• Chickpeas: Add plant-based protein and a pleasant, creamy bite to the dish.
• Kalamata olives: Bring a salty, briny flavor that is essential for traditional puttanesca.
• Cherry tomatoes: Offer sweetness and juiciness that balances the salty components.
• Garlic cloves: Infuse the sauce with an aromatic warmth that elevates every bite.
• Natural gelling agent: Enhances the sauce’s thickness naturally, giving it the perfect cling to pasta.
• Spaghetti or your favorite pasta: Acts as the canvas for this bold and hearty sauce.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): Adds savory umami richness for depth.
• Red pepper flakes: Give a subtle kick of heat to brighten the flavors.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note that lightens the dish before serving.
• Olive oil (natural): Used for sautéing and adds fruity richness to the sauce.
• Apple cider vinegar (natural): Enhances the tomato brightness and balances savoriness with acidity.

Variations for Puttanesca Pasta with Chickpeas

Feel free to tailor this Puttanesca Pasta with Chickpeas recipe to suit your tastes or pantry supplies. It’s wonderfully flexible and easy to adjust for different preferences or occasions.

• Spicy upgrade: Increase red pepper flakes or add fresh chili for more heat.
• Extra veggies: Toss in spinach, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Different pasta shapes: Swap spaghetti for penne or fusilli to hold sauce differently.
• Herb swap: Use fresh basil or oregano instead of parsley for a different aromatic twist.
• Smoky variation: Add smoked turkey slices for a deeper smoky flavor and more protein.

How to Make Puttanesca Pasta with Chickpeas

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by draining and rinsing your chickpeas and slicing the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Chop the garlic finely, halve the cherry tomatoes, and roughly chop the olives and parsley. Having everything ready allows for a smooth cooking process.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until just al dente according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked turkey bacon pieces and cook until crispy. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in the cherry tomatoes, olives, chickpeas, red pepper flakes, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Add the apple cider vinegar (natural) and a sprinkle of natural gelling agent to help thicken the sauce evenly.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it seems too thick. Allow the pasta to absorb the rich flavors for a couple of minutes on low heat.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Remove from heat and toss in the fresh parsley. Give one final stir to combine all the vibrant flavors and textures, then plate up your Puttanesca Pasta with Chickpeas and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making Puttanesca Pasta with Chickpeas

• Cook pasta al dente: This helps the noodles hold up better when tossed in the robust sauce.
• Reserve pasta water: Adding it helps create a silky sauce that clings to each strand perfectly.
• Use fresh garlic: For the brightest taste and the best aromatic kick in your sauce.
• Adjust salt carefully: Olives and smoked turkey bacon are salty, so add extra salt sparingly.
• Add herbs at the end: To preserve their freshness and enhance flavor contrast.

How to Serve Puttanesca Pasta with Chickpeas

Garnishes

Top your pasta with extra chopped parsley or a few whole olives for visual appeal and a fresh finish. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a pop of color and spice.

Side Dishes

This rich pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon juice and olive oil (natural), or crusty whole-grain bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in rustic bowls for a cozy feel or on large white plates for a more elegant dinner experience. Adding a drizzle of olive oil (natural) just before serving adds shine and extra richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Puttanesca Pasta with Chickpeas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as delightful the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes well in portions. Place cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm up gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or reserved pasta water to restore sauciness. Avoid overheating to keep the chickpeas tender and the smoked turkey bacon crisp.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?

Absolutely! Canned diced tomatoes work great and add a slightly different but equally delicious depth to the sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

With smoked turkey bacon replaced by a plant-based smoked bacon alternative, this recipe can easily become vegan-friendly.

What type of olives are best for Puttanesca Pasta with Chickpeas?

Kalamata olives are recommended for their rich, briny flavor, but you can use other black olives if preferred.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Definitely. Simply substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta to keep it delicious and accessible.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is mild but can be adjusted by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Puttanesca Pasta with Chickpeas recipe delivers a fantastic meal that’s both comforting and exciting with every bite. Easy to prepare and bursting with vibrant flavors, it’s perfect for any occasion when you want something hearty, healthy, and satisfying. Go ahead and try it tonight you might just add a new favorite to your recipe collection!

Related Posts

• Easy Southwestern Ground Turkey Casserole Recipe
• Creamy Turkey Vegetable Soup to Warm You Up
• Easy Turkey Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Print