One-Pan Calabrian Chickpea Pasta Recipe | Fast & Flavorful

This Calabrian Chickpea Pasta is a bold and spicy one-pan meal made with Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas, Calabrian chili paste, and fresh basil for a quick and flavorful dinner.

Table of Contents

Jump to:

• A Happy Accident
• What is Pasta e Ceci?
• Want to Explore It More?
• Back to This One-Pan Chickpea Pasta
• A Pantry-Friendly Pasta with Big Flavor
• Ingredients with Steps
• Culinary Glossary
• Substitutions
• Equipment
• Kitchen Must-Haves Reviews
• Storage and Reheating
• Cooking Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Pasta Recipes
• Vegetarian Recipes
• 📖 Recipe
• Subscribe to the YouTube Channel
• Have a Comment or Question?

A Happy Accident

I had no idea that Pasta e Ceci was a thing when I first created this Calabrian Chickpea Pasta recipe. I just knew I wanted something bold, a little spicy, and comforting using what I had in my pantry—like Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas, fresh basil, and Calabrian chilis.

But turns out, my taste buds must’ve tapped into the Italian side of me, because after doing a little digging, I found out that Pasta e Ceci (aka chickpeas and pasta) is an actual traditional dish—and a delicious one at that.

What is Pasta e Ceci?

Pasta e Ceci is a simple dish from Southern Italy, especially popular in regions like Campania, Basilicata, and Puglia. It’s considered one of the so-called poor recipes, originally made with humble ingredients like dry chickpeas, garlic, and lagane pasta (a rustic ribbon-like noodle made from semolina flour).

The dish is typically cooked low and slow in a large Dutch oven or large skillet, building flavor with extra virgin olive oil, fresh rosemary, and sometimes tomato paste, white wine, or vegetable broth.

Some versions call for blending a portion of the cooked chickpeas with a potato masher or immersion blender to make a rich and creamy sauce, while others leave the chickpeas whole for a chunkier bite.

You might see it referred to as Lagane e Ceci in certain areas, especially if made with homemade noodles. Either way, it’s a hearty, satisfying meal that makes the most of pantry ingredients.

Want to Explore It More?

If this is your first time hearing about Pasta e Ceci, you’re not alone—I only recently learned about it myself! But I encourage you to look it up. You can even check out versions made by Italian chefs like Lidia Bastianich (BTW I love her!!), who put her own spin on the dish with cherry tomatoes, garlic cloves, and chicken stock.

Whether you're into the tradition or keeping it modern, it’s a beautiful example of how simple ingredients can become something deeply comforting. Like I say, "K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Shhhut yo mouth!".

Back to This One-Pan Chickpea Pasta

Now let’s talk about the dish that started this whole thing—my Calabrian Chickpea Pasta. It’s not exactly Pasta e Ceci, but it’s definitely in the same comforting spirit.

The recipe uses Trader Joe's canned Greek chickpeas, Calabrian chili paste, cloves of garlic, and a generous amount of grated cheese, all cooked together in one large pan over medium heat. No need for a large pot of salted water or lots of cleanup—just one pan and a wooden spoon.

This is the kind of spicy chickpea pasta I crave on weeknights. It’s bold, hearty, and done in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s flexible—feel free to toss in extra fresh herbs, stir in a bit of tomato sauce, or swap cheeses if that’s what you’ve got on hand.

A Pantry-Friendly Pasta with Big Flavor

This one-pan chickpea pasta is a great example of turning pantry staples into something rich and delicious. Using Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas means no extra oil is needed, and they fry up beautifully in their own seasoned olive oil.

Combined with pasta, cheese, and a few fresh ingredients, it all comes together into a deeply satisfying and tasty, nutritious meal.

So grab your garlic cloves, your Calabrian chilis, and maybe a sprig of rosemary if you’ve got one—and let’s make dinner. Buon appetito!

Explore More

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• Loaded Cheesy Ground Turkey Red Lentil Pasta
• Spicy Pesto Chicken Pasta Homemade One-Pot Meal
• Simple Spicy Garlic Chili Sauce Chicken Pasta
• Easy Spicy Calabrian Italian Chicken Sausage Bolognese

Ingredients with Steps

This Calabrian Chickpea Pasta is made entirely in one sauté pan. Start by boiling the Trader Joe's fusilli pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside. In the same pan, sauté a full can of Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas (with its oil) over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes.

Add sliced sundried tomatoes and garlic, and cook until fragrant. Stir in Calabrian chili paste and fry briefly. Return the cooked pasta to the pan with whole basil leaves, toss everything together, and season with salt. Remove from heat, grate Parmesan directly into the pan, mix well, and serve topped with more cheese.

Culinary Glossary

This section concisely defines key ingredients and techniques related to this post to enhance understanding and improve cooking skills.

• Al Dente - A term used to describe pasta that is cooked just until it’s tender but still has a slight bite. For Calabrian Chickpea Pasta, this ensures the pasta holds up when tossed with hot ingredients.
• Blooming Spices - A technique where you briefly cook spices or pastes (like Calabrian chili paste) in hot oil to enhance their aroma and flavor. It’s a simple trick that deepens the flavor of the entire dish.
• Sautéing - Cooking food quickly in a small amount of fat over medium-high heat. In this recipe, sautéing garlic and Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas brings out their natural flavors and textures.
• Tossing to Combine - A gentle way to mix ingredients (like pasta, chickpeas, basil, and cheese) so that everything is evenly coated without crushing delicate components like fresh herbs.
• Cooking with Canned Chickpeas - A major time-saver, canned chickpeas are pre-cooked and ready to use. In this recipe, they're crisped in their own seasoned olive oil, so there’s no need for extra fat.
• Using Ingredient Oil - Instead of adding oil separately, this dish uses the oil already found in the Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas, which is infused with cumin, parsley, and olive oil, adding flavor while cutting down on prep.
• Infusing Flavor with Garlic - Thinly slicing garlic helps it release its oils and flavor quickly when sautéed. It also ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
• Balancing Heat and Freshness - The Calabrian chili paste brings spice, while whole basil leaves add cooling freshness and aroma. It’s a classic balance in Italian-inspired dishes.
• Finishing Off Heat - Removing the pan from the heat before adding Parmesan cheese helps it melt evenly and prevents it from clumping or burning, resulting in a smoother texture.
• Salting to Taste - Since ingredients like cheese and chili paste already bring saltiness, this recipe encourages tasting before adding extra salt. It teaches novice cooks to season thoughtfully, not automatically.

Substitutions

Dairy Free

• Yay! This recipe is already dairy-free.

Gluten-Free

• Bonus! It's also gluten-free.

Vegetarian

• Triple Threat! It's vegetarian too!

Convenience

• Organic Brown Rice & Quinoa Fusilli Pasta - Substitute with regular fusilli, penne, rotini, or even spaghetti (broken in half). For gluten-free, try lentil pasta or rice noodles.
• Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas with Cumin and Parsley - Use canned chickpeas plus 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, and a pinch of dried parsley or Italian seasoning.
• Calabrian Chili Paste - Try adding crushed red pepper flakes (start with ½ teaspoon), sambal oelek, harissa, or a mix of tomato paste and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Sliced Sundried Tomatoes - Use chopped cherry tomatoes (fresh or roasted), canned fire-roasted tomatoes (drained), or a spoonful of tomato paste.
• Fresh Garlic (Thinly Sliced) - Try garlic powder (¼ teaspoon per clove) or jarred minced garlic (½ teaspoon per clove).
• Fresh Whole Basil Leaves - Substitute with baby spinach, arugula, dried basil (start with ¼ teaspoon), or fresh parsley.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese - Sway with pre-grated Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, shredded mozzarella, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
• Salt (To Taste)- Use seasoned salt, garlic salt, or a dash of soy sauce or tamari for an umami-rich flavor.

Change Heat Level - Modify the recipe's heat level to your liking and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.

Equipment

Nonstick Sauté Pan

Used to both boil the pasta and cook the chickpeas, garlic, and sauce in one pan, minimizing cleanup. Or use a stainless steel sauté pan or a deep nonstick skillet, which will also work—just be mindful of sticking if it's not nonstick.

Colander or Slotted Spoon

Used to drain the cooked pasta after boiling. A mesh strainer or removing pasta with tongs or a spoon directly into a bowl can work in a pinch as well.

Microplane or Fine Grater

Use to freshly grate Parmesan cheese into the pan and for garnish. Don't have a fine grater? A box grater with a fine shredding side or pre-grated cheese from the store.

Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula

Used to gently stir and toss the ingredients as they cook, especially when combining pasta and chickpeas. Or use a regular cooking spoon or tongs, which can be used, though they may not be as gentle on delicate ingredients like fresh basil.

Kitchen Must-Haves - Find other tools I use here.

Kitchen Must-Haves Reviews

Find a collection of my reviews of kitchen equipment that I have purchased or recommend.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

Store any leftover Calabrian Chickpea Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the dish cool to room temperature before storing, and avoid keeping it uncovered in the fridge to preserve moisture and flavor. The basil may wilt slightly, but the flavors will deepen beautifully over time.

Freezer

While you can freeze this pasta, it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze it, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe, airtight container or resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Note that the basil and Parmesan may lose texture upon thawing, so for best results, add fresh basil and a new sprinkle of cheese after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer the pasta to a large skillet or sauté pan and warm over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe dish, covered loosely with a damp paper towel, in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warm. Add extra cheese or basil to revive flavor before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here, you will find a list of common questions that I have answered. If you have questions, please write them in the comment section below.

Pasta Recipes

Looking for other pasta recipes like this? Try these: 

Vegetarian Recipes

Looking for other vegetarian recipes like this? Try these:

📖 Recipe

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