If you’re craving a comforting dish that wraps you in the warm embrace of traditional Italian flavors, look no further than Pasta e Ceci: An Amazing Ultimate Italian Classic Recipe. This rustic, hearty soup combines tender chickpeas and small pasta in a fragrant broth seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and just a touch of heat. It’s the kind of meal that brings a cozy vibe to any table and reminds you why simple ingredients can create truly unforgettable dishes. Whether you’re seeking a nourishing weekday dinner or a soul-soothing weekend treat, this classic Italian staple delivers every time with richness, texture, and a touch of elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the soup inviting and satisfying.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil, as it adds richness and a fruity aroma that’s quintessentially Italian.
- Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Provides a mild sweetness and depth to the broth when sautéed gently.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Adds a robust, savory backbone that infuses every spoonful with warmth.
- Celery, finely chopped (1 stalk): Brings a subtle crunch and a fresh, herbal undertone.
- Chickpeas, canned (15 oz, drained and rinsed): The star protein and fiber-packed base, lending creaminess once partially mashed.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Concentrates the umami flavors and adds a touch of vibrant color.
- Dried rosemary or thyme (1/2 teaspoon): These fragrant herbs give an earthy, woody note that elevates the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a gentle kick, it adds a hint of spice without overpowering.
- Vegetable or chicken broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid that ties everything together with savory depth.
- Small pasta, such as ditalini or elbow macaroni (1 cup): Perfectly sized to mingle with the chickpeas and absorb the broth’s richness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a nutty, salty finish that turns this soup into an indulgent comfort food.
- Extra olive oil and chopped parsley for garnish: Fresh herbs and a drizzle of oil brighten the final presentation and add freshness.
How to Make Pasta e Ceci: An Amazing Ultimate Italian Classic Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic, and sauté them for 5 to 6 minutes until they soften and release their fragrant aroma. This step builds the flavor foundation, drawing out sweetness and mellowing the garlic for that comforting base you’ll love.
Step 2: Incorporate Tomato Paste and Herbs
Stir in the tomato paste along with the dried rosemary (or thyme) and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let this mixture cook for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to concentrate and the herbs to release their earthy fragrance. This step adds depth and complexity that elevates the broth beyond the ordinary.
Step 3: Add Chickpeas and Broth, Then Partially Mash
Pour in the drained and rinsed chickpeas and the broth, bringing everything to a gentle boil. Once simmering, use a spoon or potato masher to mash about half of the chickpeas right in the pot. This creates a lovely creamy texture that thickens the broth naturally without any added thickeners, making every bite satisfying and velvety.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Stir in your small pasta and cook it according to the package directions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The pasta absorbs the broth’s flavor, blending beautifully with the creamy chickpeas for a hearty mouthfeel.
Step 5: Season and Rest
Once the pasta is tender, season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the pot from heat and let it rest a few minutes; this pause lets the soup thicken slightly and allows the flavors to marry together perfectly before serving.
How to Serve Pasta e Ceci: An Amazing Ultimate Italian Classic Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this soup with a drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese transforms it from humble to heavenly. Adding some chopped fresh parsley on top not only gives a vibrant color pop but also introduces a fresh herbal brightness that lifts the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This Italian classic pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the luscious broth. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the warmth of the soup without overwhelming it, creating a balanced, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Pasta e Ceci in individual bowls topped with a sprinkle of crispy pancetta or toasted pine nuts for extra texture. You can also present it as a thick stew with extra Parmesan melted in for a cozy, indulgent supper that feels like a big, Italian hug in a bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pasta e Ceci keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and texture, and give it a good stir before reheating as the pasta tends to soak up the broth over time.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, freezing is an excellent option. Just remember that the pasta might soften a bit more after thawing and reheating, so you could undercook the pasta slightly next time if you plan to freeze the soup. Freeze in portion-sized containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat the soup on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. The gentle heat helps retain the fresh flavors and creamy texture that make Pasta e Ceci: An Amazing Ultimate Italian Classic Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just soak and cook the dried chickpeas until tender before adding them to the soup. This approach takes more time but can give your Pasta e Ceci a fresher flavor and firmer texture if you prefer.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, it’s naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative, and choose vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What pasta is best for this soup?
Small-shaped pasta like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even small shells work best because they blend perfectly with chickpeas and don’t overpower the soup’s texture.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free small pasta or even use gluten-free grains like quinoa, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
How spicy is this soup?
The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can leave them out for a mild flavor or add them for a gentle warmth. This flexibility lets you tweak the heat level to your preference without losing the classic essence.
Final Thoughts
Pasta e Ceci: An Amazing Ultimate Italian Classic Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a homecoming every time you make it. Its simple ingredients come together in the most magical way, delivering nourishment and comfort in every spoonful. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe, share it with loved ones, and watch as it becomes your go-to for satisfying, soulful Italian cooking that never fails to impress.
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Pasta e Ceci: An Amazing Ultimate Italian Classic Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pasta e Ceci is a hearty and comforting Italian classic that combines tender chickpeas with small pasta shapes in a flavorful broth. This rustic soup is easy to prepare on the stovetop and features a lovely balance of textures and savory herbs. Perfect as a meatless main course, it delivers warmth and nourishment with a rich yet light tomato-based broth, enhanced by garlic, onion, celery, and a hint of rosemary or thyme. Garnished with Parmesan and fresh parsley, it’s a true taste of traditional Italian home cooking.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
Soup Components
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnishes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Extra olive oil for drizzling
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, forming the flavorful base of the soup.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the tomato paste, dried rosemary or thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to deepen the flavors and slightly caramelize the tomato paste.
- Add Chickpeas and Broth: Pour in the drained and rinsed chickpeas along with the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil to start melding the flavors together.
- Thicken the Broth: Using a spoon or potato masher, mash about half of the chickpeas in the pot. This creates a thicker, creamier broth with some chickpea texture remaining.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in your choice of small pasta such as ditalini or elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package directions, approximately 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Season and Rest: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Remove the pot from heat and allow the soup to rest for a few minutes to let it thicken and flavors meld further.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for a comforting and authentic Italian meal.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, partially blend the soup before adding the pasta.
- To maintain traditional texture, cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to avoid it becoming too soft.
- You can use either vegetable or chicken broth depending on dietary preference.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat tolerance or omit entirely for a milder soup.
