Corn and Tomato Chickpea Pasta Recipe

Perfect for an easy lunch or dinner, this Corn and Tomato Chickpea Pasta Recipe is just what your summer needs. The simple high-protein vegetarian meal is super satisfying and comes together in one pot!

This summer we’ve really been embracing pasta for dinner. Dishes like our Lemon Veggie Pasta are easy to throw together and I love how they taste great served warm, at room temperature, and even cold.

Right now, we’ve got this bright and summery Corn and Tomato Chickpea Pasta Recipe on repeat. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re tired after a long day (working or hanging at the pool) and are craving a meal that’s full of flavor + lots of filling protein and fiber.

Here’s a quick preview of the recipe’s delicious good-for-you-ingredients:

• Sweet edamame and corn
• Juicy grape tomatoes
• Fresh basil
• Salty feta cheese
• Hearty chickpea pasta

What’s Chickpea Pasta?

It’s pasta made from chickpeas or garbanzo beans instead of the traditional durum wheat flour. We like a brand called Banza (not a sponsor) that’s made from 90% chickpeas + tapioca, pea protein, and xanthan gum.

Does It Taste Good?

Surprisingly, yes!

What I really like about the Banza pasta is its fantastic firm-but-chewy texture and tasty chickpea flavor. Tim and I have made this pasta a bunch this summer and it’s been a winner with everyone, including our 5-year-old nephew!

Quick Note: While it tastes great (if you like the flavor of garbanzo beans), cooking chickpea pasta is a little different than cooking traditional/whole wheat pasta. No worries though, we’ve included tips to help you out in the step-by-step photos after the recipe.

Enjoy!

How To Cook Chickpea Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once it’s boiling add a few pinches of kosher salt and then the pasta.

Tip #1: You’ll See Foam During Cooking

The foam is totally normal but can be a little unsettling, especially if you’ve never had the experience of cooking dried chickpeas before. If you want to reduce the foam add a little olive oil to the water during cooking.

Cook the chickpea pasta according to the package directions, carefully adding the frozen edamame to the pot in the last 4 minutes of the cooking time.

Tip #2 – Check For Doneness Early

Our box of Banza chickpea shells said to cook for 9 to 11 minutes. At exactly 9 minutes, our pasta was perfectly cooked.

While the pasta is cooking, slice the tomatoes in half. This helps to spread their juicy sweetness throughout the dish.

Next, stack the fresh basil leaves into a pile. Roll the pile up lengthwise and finely slice the basil into ribbons.

Once the pasta is cooked to your preference, drain the pot.

Tip #3 – Rinse Your Pasta

The pasta develops a starchy coating during cooking. To remove it, you’ll need to give the pasta a good rinse.

After you’ve drained and rinsed the pasta and edamame return them to the pot. To keep from over-cooking the pasta, place the pot on a cool burner on your stovetop or on a wooden cutting board.

Dump the corn, tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper into the pot and use a pair of tongs to toss everything together. Shake the crumbled feta over the pasta and add the basil. Toss once more.

3 Quick Pasta Upgrades To Try

• For a fun spicy kick, sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
• Add a little crunch with a handful of toasted chopped walnuts.
• If you have a bottle of Balsamic Glaze on hand from making Toasted Caprese Sandwiches, drizzle some on.

Lastly, divide the pasta between two bowls or plates, grab a fork, and dive in!