Description
Puttanesca Pasta with Chickpeas is a vibrant and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dish packed with rich flavors from olives, capers, and a tangy tomato sauce. Enhanced with protein-rich chickpeas and melted plant-based cheese, this hearty pasta combines wholesome ingredients for a quick and comforting meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- Spaghetti or your favorite gluten-free pasta: 12 oz
Protein and Vegetables
- Chickpeas, canned, rinsed and drained: 1 can (15 oz)
- Olives, pitted and sliced: 1/2 cup
- Capers: 2 tablespoons
- Smoked turkey bacon, chopped: 4 slices
- Garlic cloves, minced: 3 cloves
Sauce
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 1 can (28 oz)
- Red chili flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Apple cider vinegar (natural): 1 tablespoon
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): 1 tablespoon
- Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped: 1/4 cup
- Plant-based cheese, shredded: 1/2 cup
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gluten-free pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about one cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped smoked turkey bacon. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the bacon is crisp.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the sliced olives, capers, and red chili flakes. Let them sizzle for a minute to release their flavors. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add the apple cider vinegar (natural) and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes to meld the ingredients.
- Add Chickpeas: Rinse and drain the chickpeas, then stir them into the sauce. Let everything cook together for an additional 5 minutes to allow the chickpeas to absorb the rich flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Finish with Freshness and Cheese: Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and shredded plant-based cheese over the pasta. Toss gently once more to slightly melt the cheese and evenly distribute the herbs.
Notes
- Choose high-quality Kalamata or green olives for authentic flavor and texture.
- Keep pasta al dente to maintain a good bite and prevent mushiness in the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce gently to deepen flavor without burning garlic.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
- Add fresh parsley at the end for bright, fresh flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Puttanesca pasta, chickpeas, Mediterranean, gluten-free pasta, plant-based cheese, vegetarian pasta, quick dinner
