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Baked Broccoli Chickpea Pasta Recipe Easy Fiber Boost Meal

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A quick and easy baked pasta dish combining roasted broccoli and chickpeas for a fiber-packed, comforting meal perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) penne or your favorite short pasta (whole wheat preferred for extra fiber)
  • 3 cups (about 300 g) fresh broccoli florets, or frozen if fresh isn’t available
  • 1 can (15 oz/425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Zest of one lemon
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional or plant-based alternative)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • A handful of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, toss 3 cups (300 g) broccoli florets and the rinsed chickpeas with 3 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
  4. Spread the broccoli and chickpea mixture evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until broccoli edges turn golden and chickpeas get slightly crunchy. Watch closely after 15 minutes to avoid burning.
  5. In a casserole dish, combine the cooked pasta, roasted broccoli and chickpeas, 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth, lemon zest, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top and bake uncovered for about 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
  7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the roasting pan to ensure broccoli and chickpeas crisp up instead of steaming. Cook pasta just shy of al dente as it finishes cooking in the oven. If dish dries out during baking, loosely cover with foil. For extra crispness, broil 1-2 minutes at the end. Lemon zest brightens the dish—don’t skip it. Use fresh grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor. Variations include vegan substitutions, gluten-free pasta, and adding protein like chicken or tofu.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked pasta, broccoli pasta, chickpea recipe, fiber boost meal, easy dinner, plant-based protein, vegetarian pasta, healthy pasta bake

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/baked-broccoli-chickpea-pasta-recipe-easy-fiber-boost-meal/