Skip to main content

Spaghetti Alla Ceci

Ceci are chickpeas. This is a classic, simple Italian dinner. Thousands of tired Romans will be eating it tonight; how about we join them? Greens dressed with vinegar and oil would make a good side dish.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

Salt
1 pound spaghetti
3 tablespoons EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil), 3 times around the pan
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 to 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 14-ounce can chickpeas, drained
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (eyeball it)
Black pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken stock
1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
A handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, to pass at the table

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring a big pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Salt it and cook the spaghetti to al dente.

    Step 2

    While the spaghetti cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the EVOO, red pepper flakes, and garlic. Place the chickpeas in a food processor and pulse to a fine chop. Add the chickpeas to the skillet with the garlic and season them with the thyme, salt, and pepper. SautƩ them for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the wine or stock and cook down for 30 seconds or so, then stir in the tomatoes and adjust the seasoning. Drain the pasta and toss with the sauce. Top the pasta with the parsley and grated cheese.

Rachael Ray Express Lane Meals
Read More
Like spicy carrot rigatoni and weeknight-fancy ravioli with peas.
Like lemony baked salmon and strawberry shortcake roll.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like creamy butternut squash soup and brown butter toffee chocolate chip cookies.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Double-the-mustard chicken, gingery mustard BBQ sauce, cider-dijon pork with roasted apples, and more.
Like sweet-spicy zucchini and joojeh kebab.
A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.