This Chickpea, Olive, and Cheese Pasta is a hearty, wholesome twist on classic mac and cheese.
Packed with plant-based protein from chickpeas, fiber-rich veggies, and healthy fats from olive oil and olives, it’s a balanced, satisfying meal.
Quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
Chickpea Olive Cheese Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Large deep skillet
- 1 large pot (for pasta)
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef’s Knife
- 1 colander
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g spaghetti or preferred pasta
- 2 large Spanish onions thinly sliced
- 5 cloves garlic sliced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ –½ tsp salt
- ⅛ –¼ tsp black pepper ground
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ –½ tsp red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper optional
- 1 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 5 oz about 1 cup cheese, diced (cheddar, gouda, muenster, or vegan option)
- 1 15 oz / 425 g can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 12 pitted kalamata olives sliced
- Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta Water and Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and generously season it with salt—it should taste slightly like the sea. Add your pasta and cook it according to package instructions until al dente, which means tender but still with a slight bite. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this liquid will help create a silky, cohesive sauce. Drain the pasta in a colander but do not rinse—the starches left on the pasta help the sauce adhere beautifully. Set the pasta aside in the pot or a large bowl.
- Slice Onions and Garlic: While the pasta cooks, peel the onions and slice them into thin, even half-moons. Peel and slice the garlic cloves into delicate slivers. Uniform slices ensure even cooking and allow the natural sweetness of the onions and the aroma of garlic to infuse the olive oil.
- Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Aromatics: Place a large, deep skillet over medium heat and pour in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Allow the oil to warm for about 1–2 minutes—it should shimmer but not smoke. Add the sliced onions first, stirring to coat them in the oil. Sauté gently for 10 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Then add the garlic slices and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are lightly golden and fragrant.
- Season Aromatics: Sprinkle ¼–½ teaspoon of salt, ⅛–¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of dried oregano over the onions and garlic. If you like a little heat, add ¼–½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper at this stage. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasoning. The heat should be kept at medium-low to avoid burning the garlic, while allowing the spices to bloom and enhance the flavors.
- Combine Pasta with Vegetables: Add about three-quarters of the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Reserve the remaining pasta for another meal or recipe. Toss gently to coat the pasta with the flavored oil and aromatics.
- Add Cheese and Chickpeas: Add 5 ounces of your diced cheese to the pasta mixture along with the rinsed and drained chickpeas. Pour in approximately ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to help create a creamy texture. Stir continuously over medium-low heat until the cheese melts evenly, coating the pasta and chickpeas. If the pasta appears dry, gradually add more pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a luscious, slightly saucy consistency.
- Incorporate Olives and Fresh Herbs: Slice 12 pitted kalamata olives and add them to the skillet, mixing them gently into the pasta. Stir in 1 cup of freshly chopped parsley to bring a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and chickpeas. Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Adjust Seasoning and Final Taste: Turn off the heat and taste the pasta. Adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed. This step is essential to balance all flavors, as the chickpeas and olives can add natural saltiness, while the cheese contributes richness.
- Plate and Garnish: Divide the pasta evenly among serving plates. Optional but highly recommended: sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top for an extra layer of savory flavor. A small drizzle of olive oil or a few extra parsley leaves can also enhance presentation and freshness.
- Serve Immediately: This pasta is best enjoyed fresh and warm. The combination of melty cheese, tender chickpeas, and flavorful olives creates a satisfying, nutrient-rich dish that pairs well with a light salad or crusty bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated on the stove with a splash of reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.
Notes
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining; it helps create a creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Use medium-low heat when melting the cheese to prevent it from separating or becoming grainy.
- Slice onions and garlic evenly to ensure they cook uniformly and release maximum flavor.
- Leftover pasta can be stored separately from the sauce for easier meal prep and reheating.
- Adjust the spice level with red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper according to taste.
- Try using different cheeses like gouda, muenster, or a vegan alternative to vary flavor profiles.
Chef’s Secrets: Perfect Flavor And Texture
The key to a truly delicious chickpea pasta lies in balancing textures and layers of flavor.
Slowly sautéing onions and garlic on medium-low heat allows natural sweetness to develop without burning.
Incorporating pasta water gradually while melting the cheese ensures a creamy, cohesive sauce.
Don’t underestimate the power of fresh parsley—it brightens the dish and balances the richness.
Using high-quality olive oil and good cheese elevates the flavors, while carefully tasting before serving guarantees the seasoning is spot-on.
For an extra touch, a light squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can lift the dish and enhance freshness.
Serving Suggestions: Creative Pairings And Ideas
This pasta is versatile and pairs beautifully with light, complementary sides. Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for a nutrient-packed meal. A slice of crusty bread or garlic bread adds texture and makes the meal feel more indulgent. For a more Mediterranean-inspired presentation, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or a few fresh basil leaves. This dish also works well as a main course for lunchboxes or as a make-ahead dinner for busy weeknights.
Storage Tips: Keep Pasta Fresh Longer
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
If storing separately, keep pasta and sauce apart to maintain texture and prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.
This dish can also be prepared 1–2 days ahead—cook the pasta, sauté the onions and garlic, then assemble just before serving.
Avoid freezing if possible, as the texture of the chickpeas and cheese can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other pasta types?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works perfectly, you can use penne, fusilli, or even whole-grain pasta.
Just adjust cooking times according to package instructions.
2. Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes! Simply substitute the cheese with a plant-based option such as vegan cheddar, mozzarella, or cashew cheese, and omit Parmesan.
The chickpeas provide plenty of protein to keep it satisfying.
3. How can I make this spicier?
Increase red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper according to taste. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle, smoky heat.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sautéed aromatics 1–2 days in advance.
Keep them separately in airtight containers and combine with cheese and chickpeas just before serving.
5. What can I serve this pasta with?
Pair it with fresh salads, roasted or steamed vegetables, or a slice of crusty bread.
A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley elevates the flavor beautifully.
