Pasta Shells with Chickpeas and Arugula Recipe

Pasta Shells With Chickpeas And Arugula Recipe

Ingredients

Makes 3 To 4 Servings

• 1 15-ounce can chickpeas (about 1½ cups cooked chickpeas)
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1 good-sized clove)
• ¾ teaspoon salt (plus more for the pasta water)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ pound fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into large dice
• freshly ground black pepper
• ½ pound small or medium-sized (up to 1-inch) pasta shells
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups (packed) coarsely chopped arugula

Method

1. Set a colander in the sink and pour in the chickpeas; give them a quick rinse and allow them to drain
2. In a large bowl, combine the vinegar, garlic, salt, thyme, oregano, and olive oil; whisk to blend
3. Stir in the chickpeas and mozzarella, and grind in a generous amount of black pepper
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, foil, or just a plate, and let it stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or up to an hour
5. You can do this step up to 2 days ahead-in which case, refrigerate the mixture and bring it back to room temperature before proceeding
6. When you are ready to assemble the dish, put a large pot of cold water to boil over high heat, and add a tablespoon of salt
7. Place a large colander in the sink
8. When the water boils, add the pasta, keeping the heat high
9. Cook for the amount of time recommended on the package, tasting the pasta toward the end of the suggested time to be sure it is not getting overcooked
10. When it is just tender enough to bite into comfortably but not yet mushy, dump the water-plus-pasta into the colander
11. Shake to mostly drain (it’s okay to leave some water clinging), and then add the pasta to the chickpea mixture in the bowl
12. Toss well from the bottom of the bowl, sprinkling in the parmesan and arugula as you go
13. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature, as is or garnished with any of the extras listed at right

Full List of Pasta Recipes
Full List of Chickpea Recipes