Brothy pasta with chickpeas for a comforting meal
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 30 Oct 2025
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Brothy pasta with chickpeas is a delightful vegetarian dish that marries comforting warmth with vibrant flavours. This recipe features tender orecchiette nestled in a savoury broth infused with garlic, fresh rosemary, and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. The addition of protein-packed chickpeas not only enhances the dish’s nutritional profile but also provides a satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with the pasta.
Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend lunch, this dish is both nourishing and easy to prepare. The fragrant broth, enriched with extra-virgin olive oil and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley, makes each bowl a comforting experience. Serve alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that warms the soul.
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Ingredients for Brothy pasta with chickpeas
45 ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 small onion, finely chopped
kosher salt
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 sprig rosemary
1.5 g crushed red pepper flakes
425 g can chickpeas, drained, rinsed
240 g whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
170 g orecchiette or other short pasta
30 g finely chopped parsley
45 g finely grated parmesan, plus more for serving
freshly ground black pepper
How to make Brothy pasta with chickpeas
Heat 45 ml of oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and season with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until both the onion and garlic are very tender and just starting to brown around the edges, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the chopped rosemary and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the chickpeas and chopped tomatoes, cooking and stirring occasionally until the tomatoes have slightly thickened, 6–8 minutes.
Pour in 1 litre of water and add the pasta. Increase the heat to medium-high, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking, until the pasta is al dente, 13–16 minutes, depending on the shape.
Stir in the chopped parsley and 45 g of grated Parmesan; season with salt to taste.
Remove and discard the rosemary sprig.
Ladle the pasta and broth into bowls. Drizzle with additional oil, season generously with black pepper, and top with more grated Parmesan.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
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Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
30 Oct 2025 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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