A warm, rustic one-pot pasta that feels like a cozy winter evening in a bowl.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 30 min
Total: 40 min
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 8 oz small pasta (ditalini or small shells)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a deep pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook slowly until soft and lightly golden, allowing the natural sweetness to develop.
Add the garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently for a few seconds so the spices release their aroma without burning.
Pour in the vegetable broth, chickpeas, and crushed tomatoes. Stir well to create a rich, well-balanced cooking liquid.
Add the pasta directly into the pot and bring everything to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens naturally.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Let it melt fully into the pasta to create a creamy, comforting finish.
Nutrition Facts (approx)
Calories: 420
Protein: 16g
Carbs: 58g
Fat: 14g
Quick Facts
• one-pot meal
• cold weather comfort
• family approved
• budget friendly
• freezer friendly
Tips
Using small pasta shapes helps the pasta cook evenly and absorb the sauce without falling apart or becoming mushy.
Stir gently during the last few minutes of cooking, as the sauce thickens quickly and the pasta can stick to the bottom if left unattended.
If the dish becomes too thick, add a small splash of warm broth and stir until the texture loosens to your liking.
Variations
For a richer and creamier version, finish the dish with a small knob of butter or a splash of cream stirred in just before serving.
To increase protein and make it more filling, add cooked chicken or extra beans during the final five minutes of simmering so everything warms evenly. This is similar to the method used in our one-pan chicken skillet recipe that’s packed with flavor and comes together quickly.
For a bolder flavor profile, replace part of the vegetable broth with chicken broth and add a pinch of chili flakes to bring gentle heat. You’ll find more creative pantry-friendly ideas like this in our pantry-only quick meals guide.