One-Pot Spicy Tomato and Chickpea Pasta

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-08 · Updated 2026-05-08

A vibrant, hearty pasta dish cooked entirely in one pot with chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and a spicy kick from red pepper flakes. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs dried penne pasta, canned diced tomatoes with juice, canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed 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.

Ingredients

• 12 oz dried penne pasta
• 1 (14.5 oz) can canned diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 (15 oz) can canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Step 2: Stir in 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 12 oz dried penne pasta, 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice, 1 (15 oz) can drained and rinsed chickpeas, and 3 cups vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and liquid has thickened to a sauce that coats the pasta.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve with 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese if desired.