🛒Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
🔧Kitchen Tools Needed
- Large pot
- Colander
- Medium bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
📝Instructions
- 1
Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- 2
In a medium bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until they are mostly broken down but still have some texture.
- 3
Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic to the mashed chickpeas. Mix well until combined.
- 4
Season the chickpea mixture with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- 5
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the red onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- 6
Add the cherry tomatoes and black olives to the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.
- 7
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Stir in the chickpea mixture until everything is well combined and heated through.
- 8
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. If using, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- 9
Serve warm and enjoy your Vegetarian Tuna Pasta!
🥗Nutrition Information
⚡Calories per serving: 350
🏷️Recipe Tags
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan version and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as spaghetti or rotini.