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Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice (penne or fusilli work wonderfully) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. It's crucial to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. This starchy water is a secret weapon for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later on.

Creamy Buffalo Chickpea Pasta

Looking for a delicious and satisfying pasta dish? Try this creamy buffalo chickpea pasta that combines spicy buffalo sauce and chickpeas for a nutritious twist. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe is easy to prepare in just 30 minutes. With simple ingredients like pasta, garlic, and heavy cream or coconut cream, you'll enjoy a comforting meal that bursts with flavor. Gather your ingredients and get ready to impress everyone at your table!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (penne or fusilli works great)

1 can (15 oz or 425g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

2 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth

1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or coconut cream for a vegan option

1/2 cup (120ml) buffalo sauce (or more to taste)

1 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup (20g) nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Crumbled blue cheese or vegan cheese, for extra topping (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.

    Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

      Add Chickpeas: Stir in the chickpeas and smoked paprika. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the chickpeas to get slightly crispy and absorb the flavors.

        Create the Sauce: Pour in the vegetable broth and buffalo sauce. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to let the flavors meld.

          Incorporate Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream). If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in nutritional yeast if using.

            Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing it until it's well coated in the creamy buffalo chickpea sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Serve: Dish out the creamy buffalo chickpea pasta onto plates, garnishing with fresh parsley and crumbled blue cheese or vegan cheese if desired. Enjoy your flavorful meal!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                  15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings