Creamy Tomato Chickpea Pasta Bowl

Name: Creamy Tomato Chickpea Pasta Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta of your choice (penne or fusilli work great); 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a vegan option; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making this Creamy Tomato Chickpea Pasta Bowl because it’s a comforting dish that pairs hearty ingredients with an irresistible creamy sauce. Each bite is satisfying, and the chickpeas add a protein boost that keeps me full longer. This recipe has become a family favorite, and I enjoy preparing it on busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. It's quick to whip up and an easy way to incorporate more plant-based meals into our diet.

Created by

Jocelyn Parker

Last updated on 2026-01-18T03:58:14.319Z

When I first tried to create a pasta dish that was both creamy and nutritious, I knew I had to include chickpeas. The texture they bring is wonderful, and they soak up the flavors of the creamy tomato sauce beautifully. After many attempts in my kitchen, I finally found the perfect balance of spices and ingredients to make it rich and flavorful without being overwhelming.

One of my biggest tips is to cook the pasta al dente and mix it with the sauce while it’s still hot; this helps the pasta absorb the flavor of the sauce. I also love garnishing with fresh basil for a pop of color and extra flavor that takes this dish to the next level!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy tomato sauce that envelops the pasta flawlessly
Chickpeas add protein and texture, making it hearty
Quick and easy to make, perfect for any weeknight

      

Perfecting Your Pasta

To achieve the perfect pasta texture, ensure that you cook it to al dente. This means the pasta should be firm to the bite but not hard. Depending on the type of pasta you choose, this usually takes about 8-12 minutes. Another important tip is to remember to salt your boiling water generously. This not only enhances the flavor of the pasta itself but also ensures that the sauce later clings perfectly to the noodles.

Reserve that cup of pasta water before draining! It’s a crucial component for the sauce. Adding a bit of the starchy water will help create a creamy texture and prevent the sauce from becoming too thick. Always add it gradually while mixing, so you can control the consistency based on your preference.

Chickpeas: The Unsung Hero

Chickpeas bring more than just protein to this dish; they also lend a delightful creaminess when they break down slightly while cooking. If you're short on time, canned chickpeas work perfectly, but if you have dried chickpeas, soak and cook them ahead. This can enhance the flavor significantly, providing a heartiness that's hard to replicate.

For extra texture, consider roasting your chickpeas before adding them to the sauce. Toss them in olive oil and some of the spices, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, shaking halfway through. This adds a nice crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Creative Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You could swap the heavy cream for a cashew cream for an even richer flavor without dairy. Simply soak cashews in water for a few hours, then blend them with a bit of water until smooth. This adds a wonderful depth and serves as a fantastic vegan substitute.

If you want to add greens, try tossing in baby spinach or kale during the last couple of minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt down quickly, giving you extra nutrients without needing to alter the cooking time significantly. Just stir them in once you add the cream for a colorful and healthy addition.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare your delicious Creamy Tomato Chickpea Pasta Bowl:

Ingredients

12 oz pasta of your choice (penne or fusilli work great)
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a vegan option
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh basil for garnish

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you're just a few steps away from enjoying this delightful dish!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Creamy Tomato Chickpea Pasta Bowl:

Cook the pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.

Prepare the sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Cook until tomatoes are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Combine ingredients

Reduce the heat and pour in the cream, stirring to combine. Add the cooked pasta along with some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Mix well to coat everything in the creamy sauce.

Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious and hearty Creamy Tomato Chickpea Pasta Bowl!

Now that your dish is ready, dig in and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce. Additionally, this dish can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Tomato Chickpea Pasta Bowl is fantastic served with a side of crusty bread for dipping. The bread not only adds another texture to the meal but also soaks up the delicious creamy sauce. Additionally, a light side salad with vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish with its fresh, tangy flavors.

For an extra punch, consider topping the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese if you're not keeping it vegan. Alternatively, sprinkle nutritional yeast over the top for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze can also elevate the flavors beautifully.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers are a win with this recipe! Store any unused portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day. When reheating, add a splash of water or more cream to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken in the fridge.

If you need to store it for longer, consider freezing. Portion the pasta into meal-sized servings and freeze in airtight containers. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find your sauce is too thick after combining it with pasta, don’t fret! Just add a bit more of the reserved pasta water, stirring continuously until you reach the desired sauce consistency. This method prevents breakage of the sauce and keeps everything beautifully creamy.

On the other hand, if your sauce seems too thin, you can allow it to simmer a little longer on low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning, and let it reduce slightly until it thickens, creating the luxurious texture you desire.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free pasta variety, and the rest of the ingredients will still work wonderfully.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

→ Is it possible to make this vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream for a tasty vegan version.

→ Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Try adding spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to boost the nutritional value and flavor.