One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chickpeas

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, plant-powered pasta dish simmered with tomatoes, fresh basil, and protein-rich chickpeas in a single pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, medium diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent, then stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1 can drained chickpeas, 1/2 cup vegetable broth, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Stir 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil into tomato mixture, then add drained penne pasta and toss until fully coated and heated through, about 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with extra basil and Parmesan for garnish.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chickpeas take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chickpeas?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chickpeas?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chickpeas for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chickpeas vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes