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Ditalini with Chickpeas and Garlic-Rosemary Oil

This authentic ditalini with chickpeas and garlic-rosemary oil is a masterclass in building deep, savoury flavours from simple larder staples. Known in Italy as pasta e ceci, this version uses a finely chopped vegetable base and a portion of puréed chickpeas to create a luxuriously thick sauce that clings to every tube of pasta. The addition of a vibrant, homemade herb oil provides a fresh finish that cuts through the heartiness of the dish.

As a naturally vegan recipe, it serves as a nutritious and filling midweek dinner that the whole family will enjoy. The combination of protein-packed legumes and complex aromatics makes it a healthy choice for those seeking a plant-based alternative to traditional pasta sauces. Serve it in shallow bowls with a final crack of black pepper for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home.

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Ingredients for Ditalini with Chickpeas and Garlic-Rosemary Oil

  • 1 medium onion, quartered

  • 1 medium carrot, peeled, cut into 1" pieces

  • 1 celery stalk, cut into 1" pieces

  • 6 garlic cloves, 4 whole, 2 chopped

  • 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves

  • 1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

  • 120ml olive oil, divided

  • Kosher salt

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 2 425g cans chickpeas, rinsed

  • 450g ditalini or elbow macaroni

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

How to make Ditalini with Chickpeas and Garlic-Rosemary Oil

Pulse onion, carrot, celery, whole garlic cloves, parsley, and red pepper flakes in a food processor until finely chopped; transfer to a small bowl and set aside. Wipe out food processor bowl and set aside.

Heat 60ml oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat; add reserved vegetable mixture, season with salt, and cook, stirring often, until golden, 8-10 minutes. Stir tomato paste and 240ml water in a small bowl to combine; add to pot. Cook, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until liquid has almost evaporated, 5-8 minutes.

Add chickpeas and 475ml water to pot and simmer for 15 minutes to let flavours meld. Transfer 240ml chickpea mixture to food processor; purée until smooth, then stir back into sauce to thicken.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 350ml pasta cooking liquid. Add pasta and 120ml pasta cooking liquid to sauce and stir to coat. Increase heat to medium and continue stirring, adding more pasta cooking liquid as needed, until sauce coats pasta.

Heat remaining 60ml oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat; add chopped garlic and rosemary and cook until sizzling stops, about 1 minute. Divide pasta among bowls and drizzle with garlic-rosemary oil.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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