Budget-Friendly Chickpea Pesto Pasta

Simple ingredients, big pesto flavor, and a satisfying boost of protein!

If you love pesto pasta, this is an easy way to make it a little more filling and budget-friendly. Chickpeas add plant-based protein and fiber to the pasta, while juicy cherry tomatoes bring freshness and a little natural sweetness. Using jarred pesto keeps the ingredient list simple and makes this a great option for a busy weeknight lunch or dinner.

I like adding chickpeas to pasta because they help turn a simple bowl of noodles into a more satisfying meal. Chickpeas provide fiber, plant-based protein, iron, and folate, while the tomatoes add vitamin C and other antioxidants. A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end brightens everything up and balances the richness of the pesto.

This recipe is also easy to make your own. Add spinach or other vegetables you have on hand, use a different shape of pasta, or top it with a little Parmesan and fresh basil. It's a simple, flavorful meal that doesn't require a long list of ingredients or a lot of time.

Yield: 4 servings

Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 (15-oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed ($1.00)

• 10oz. penne pasta ($0.75)

• 1 (6-7 oz.) jar basil pesto ($4.00)

• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved ($1.50)

• ½ lemon, juiced ($0.25)

• ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste ($0.01)

• ¼ tsp black pepper ($0.02)

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional ($0.03)

• 4-5 fresh basil leaves, torn, for serving ($0.15)

Estimated cost per serving: ~$1.94

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 c pasta water for later.

2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.

   

3. Add the drained chickpeas and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until warmed through.

   

4. Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta, half of the reserved pasta water, and pesto to the skillet, tossing until the pesto coats the pasta and reaches your desired consistency. Add more pasta water, if desired.

   

5. Stir in the lemon juice, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Taste and add salt as needed.

   

6. Serve warm and top with additional pesto, grated Parmesan, or fresh basil. Enjoy!