Description
Pasta e Ceci is a comforting Italian one-pot dish featuring tender chickpeas and small pasta simmered in a flavorful broth with aromatic vegetables and herbs. This hearty, vegetarian soup is perfect for a cozy meal and is enhanced with a touch of Parmesan cheese and olive oil.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried
- 1 bay leaf
Seasonings and Garnishes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Extra olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Then add the tomato paste, cooking and stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes until it darkens slightly to deepen the flavor.
- Simmer Chickpeas and Broth: Add the drained chickpeas, rosemary, bay leaf, and broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Thicken Soup: Use a spoon or potato masher to mash some of the chickpeas in the pot, which will thicken the soup and add creaminess.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the small pasta and cook according to the package directions, about 8–10 minutes, until al dente.
- Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the pasta.
- The dish thickens as it sits; add more broth or water when reheating to adjust the consistency.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete, hearty meal.
