This pasta dish is so good, you’ll forget it came from your pantry. Our Zesty Lemon Chickpea Pasta is tangy, creamy, protein-packed, and done in under 20 minutes. Plus, it costs less than $1.50 per serving, which means you can treat your taste buds and your wallet.
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Why You Need This Pasta in Your Life
- Pantry-friendly ingredients
- Vegan-friendly (unless you add cheese)
- Ready in 20 minutes flat
- Filling, creamy, and bursting with citrusy brightness
- Meal-prep friendly
Ingredients on a Budget
| Ingredient | Cost (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta (8 oz) | $0.80 | Penne or spaghetti works |
| Canned Chickpeas (1 can) | $0.70 | Drained & rinsed |
| Garlic (2 cloves) | $0.10 | Minced |
| Lemon (1, zested + juiced) | $0.50 | Adds all the zing |
| Olive Oil (2 tbsp) | $0.25 | Or whatever oil you have |
| Salt & Pepper | $0.05 | To taste |
| Red Pepper Flakes (opt.) | $0.05 | Optional kick |
| Nutritional Yeast (opt.) | $0.20 | Or Parmesan if not vegan |
Estimated Total: ~$2.65 for 2-3 servings
Quick How-To
- Cook the pasta: Boil in salted water until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté chickpeas and garlic: In a pan with oil, cook chickpeas until slightly golden. Add garlic and stir for a minute.
- Zest things up: Add lemon juice, zest, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Toss and swirl: Combine cooked pasta, a splash of pasta water, and toss with the chickpea mixture. Stir in nutritional yeast or cheese.
- Serve hot: Finish with more lemon zest or herbs if you’re feelin’ fancy.
Boost It Your Way
- Add chopped spinach or kale for greens
- Stir in a spoonful of hummus for extra creaminess
- Top with breadcrumbs for crunch
More Tasty Recipes to Try
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The Final Zing
This Zesty Lemon Chickpea Pasta is your go-to when you want something cheap, fast, and shockingly good. No fancy ingredients, no stress, just a bowl of sunshine.
Pin it, share it, or meal-prep it – this is pasta night done right.
