With summer just around the corner, I am constantly looking for recipes that incorporate all of summer’s fresh flavors without having to spend too much time in the kitchen. This pesto pasta is the perfect simple summer meal that can be made in fifteen minutes or less. While I love to add spicy chickpeas and sweet cherry tomatoes to make it a heartier dish, you can add any summer veggies you have on hand, from roasted peppers to summer squash. For the ultimate flavor, use our easy pesto recipe, or save time with your favorite store-bought version.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
2 cups elbow “macaroni” pasta (I used brown rice pasta)
1 can chickpeas
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
Olive oil
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup of pesto (see recipe here or use your favorite store-bought version)
Salt
Pepper
Photo by Julia Maguire
Directions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, add chickpeas, tomatoes, a pinch of red pepper flakes and a tablespoon of olive oil in a sauté pan and heat over medium low until warmed through, about five minutes.
Photo by Julia Maguire
3. Drain pasta and place in large mixing bowl.
4. Pour chickpea mixture and 1 cup of pesto over pasta and mix until well combined.