This Chickpea Pasta Is Actually Delicious (2024)

I'm sort of against the idea of pasta substitutions. If you really want pasta, have it. If you're trying to avoid it, eat one of the many delicious foods in the universe that aren't pasta. And yet, there's an exception to my rule. It's Banza.

Banza—if you haven't had it—is pasta made of chickpeas. (Yes, everything is made of chickpeas now. No, I don't know why.) And unlike many of the red lentil and black bean pasta substitutes out there, it's really good. It's not gummy or overly soft. Nor is it stringy or tough. It holds up to being boiled in water better than other bean pastas, maintaining the bite of an al dente noodle. (Here's a caveat: only buy the small shapes. The spaghetti and long-strand varieties of Banza get soft and fall apart. Stick with the elbows, penne, rigatoni, rotini, etc.)

Even though chickpea pasta doesn't contain any gluten, which usually makes sauce adhere better, pasta sauce clings nicely to Banza and you can still use the starchy pasta water you've cooked it in to emulsify and thicken a sauce. (Maybe this is related to the magical properties of aquafaba. Just speculating!) All that is to say, Banza is the best non-pasta pasta, because it behaves like real pasta.

Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Simon Andrews

And yet, to contradict myself, I think the best way to think about Banza—in order to really enjoy it—is to think of it not as pasta, but rather as its own distinct entity. Its flavor, after all, is different from white-flour pasta. Different, but good. It's got a distinct nuttiness to it—the kind you always want from whole wheat pasta, but better because it doesn't have whole wheat pasta's grainy, tough texture. You want to use Banza in situations that highlight this nutty flavor. It's not the best with tomato-based sauces, but it really shines when you use it in a pasta dish that includes a lot of vegetables and sharp cheeses.

Think: my all-time favorite pasta, my colleague Anna's carbonara with lots of cabbage and mushrooms. Or, this lemony pasta made with heaps of arugula, and chickpeas themselves to match the flavor of the pasta. It's also excellent with this broccoli bolognese recipe. In these sorts of vegetable-forward dishes, chickpea pasta brings a welcome rich, complex flavor.

This Chickpea Pasta Is Actually Delicious (2024)

FAQs

Is chickpea pasta actually better for you? ›

Chickpea pasta is a healthy alternative to white pasta, providing more fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, most types are suitable for gluten-free diets. Its fiber and protein may support blood sugar management, weight maintenance, digestive health, and a reduced risk of numerous health conditions.

What does chickpea pasta taste like? ›

Taste: Chickpea pasta has a nutty aftertaste that isn't too strong and can be masked well with your favourite pasta sauce. Chickapea's chickpea penne has a mix of red and yellow lentil flour in it, producing a more mild flavour.

Why do people eat chickpea pasta? ›

“There's lots of people who are looking for or maybe don't want to add a protein source to their pasta, so using something like a chickpea pasta is a great option because it covers you for carbohydrates, for fiber and for protein,” Nadeau says.

Is chickpea pasta good for high blood pressure? ›

Pulses such as lentils, beans, peas and chickpeas are great dietary fiber and plant protein sources. They also contain essential minerals, such as magnesium and potassium, which help regulate blood pressure.

Can I eat chickpea pasta every day? ›

Yes! Chickpeas themselves are plant-based powerhouses chock-full of both protein and fiber — up to 8 grams of each per ½ cup serving. Plus, they're a sustainable food source along with other pulses like beans, peas, and lentils.

What is the healthiest pasta to eat? ›

What Is The Healthiest Type of Pasta?
  • Whole-Wheat Pasta. Whole wheat pasta, or whole grain pasta, is made from the entire grain of the wheat stalk, including the bran, endosperm, and germ. ...
  • Chickpea Pasta. ...
  • Legume-Based Pastas. ...
  • Soba Noodles. ...
  • Rice Noodles. ...
  • Quinoa Noodles. ...
  • Vegetable Noodles. ...
  • White Pasta.

Do I have to rinse Banza pasta? ›

All stoves are different, so we recommend tasting noodles until they reach your desired texture. When the pasta reaches your preferred texture, strain it, and rinse under water as you strain. Rinsing Banza after cooking removes the chickpea starch that forms during the cooking process.

Why is Banza so expensive? ›

This part makes me so sad, but it makes sense that the cost is high. I can't say I know the details of Banza's entire production process, but turning chickpeas into pasta must take some sort of Hogwarts-level sorcery, right? And beyond that, they add pea protein which likely ups the cost, too.

Is chickpea pasta a good substitute for pasta? ›

if you have celiac or gluten sensitivity, that's a great choice, because a chickpea pasta is gluten free. if you feel that you tolerate chickpea pasta. better than you tolerate chickpeas, or you just enjoy the higher protein. pasta alternatives more than regular pasta, that's fine.

Is chickpea pasta anti inflammatory? ›

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are versatile legumes that can be added to stews, curries, snacks and salads. In a time when plant-based products are exploding, bean-based pastas are gaining traction as part of an anti-inflammatory diet.

What is going on with Banza pasta? ›

The safety of Banza chickpea pasta has been called into question recently due to claims that the product has dangerous levels of an herbicide called glyphosate .

How many calories are in 1 cup of chickpea pasta? ›

Gluten free pasta, chickpea, cooked in salted water (1 cup) contains 28.3g total carbs, 23.6g net carbs, 2.8g fat, 11.4g protein, and 185 calories.

Does chickpea pasta spike insulin? ›

Chickpea pasta is higher in fiber and protein than regular pasta, making it better for blood glucose management. It's also grain- and gluten-free.

Which is healthier, lentils or chickpeas? ›

Chickpea and lentils both only contain what scientists consider "good fats." Therefore, Chickpeas are better as they have more "good fats." Lentils have more dietary fiber than Chickpeas. Fiber is a strange nutrient. It doesn't provide calories and doesn't stick around your body.

Is chickpea pasta a highly processed food? ›

Chickpea pasta is considered a minimally processed food.

How nutritious is banza pasta compared to regular pasta? ›

Loaded with protein, thanks to the chickpeas, Banza pasta has 25 grams of protein, 13 grams of fiber and 42 grams of net carbs per serving (versus 13 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber and 70 grams of net carbs for a traditional pasta serving), and it's low glycemic index and gluten-free.

Is chickpea pasta better than white rice? ›

The choice between chickpea and rice pasta ultimately depends on your individual dietary needs and preferences. If you are looking to increase your protein and fiber intake, chickpea pasta is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter option that is gluten-free, rice pasta is a great alternative.

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