Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Bake

Looking for a delicious and satisfying vegan dish? This Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Bake is packed with flavor, protein, and nutrients. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Let’s dive into this simple yet delectable recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• ¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, finely chopped
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 large bunch kale or spinach, de-stemmed and chopped (4 heaping cups)
• 3 cups cooked chickpeas (or 2 14-oz cans, drained and rinsed)
• 750 mL your favorite pasta sauce (use more if you like it more “saucy”)
• 4 cups uncooked rotini, fusilli, or penne
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

1. Begin by warming the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
3. Add the red bell pepper and cook for three more minutes.
4. Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes, olives, another pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
5. Add the spinach or kale and cook just until the greens are bright green and wilted.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Add the chickpeas and pasta sauce to the pot.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Stir occasionally while you cook the pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
2. Cook the rotini according to the instructions on the package. Drain and return to the pot.
3. Add the sauce to the pasta and stir gently to combine.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.
2. Top with the grated mozzarella cheese.
3. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
2. Enjoy your Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Bake!

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Calories: 450 kcal per serving
• Servings: 6

This Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Bake is not only easy to make but also incredibly flavorful and nutritious. The combination of chickpeas, greens, and a rich pasta sauce makes it a hearty meal that everyone will love. Happy cooking!