Whole-Grain Pasta With Chickpeas and Escarole
- Ready In:
- 30mins
- Ingredients:
- 11
- Serves:
-
4
ingredients
- 2 cups whole-grain penne
- 1 head escarole, roughly chopped
- 1⁄4 cup capers, drained and patted dry (optional)
- 5 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1⁄2 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
- 1⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 (28 ounce) can whole canned tomatoes, crushed slightly, liquid reserved
- 1 (15 1/2 ounce) can chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
- kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1⁄2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
directions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions; add the escarole during the last 2 minutes; cover and do not stir. Remove the escarole with tongs; set aside. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Meanwhile, if you're using capers, heat 1 T. olive o il in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the capers and fry until crisp, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.
- Add the remaining 3 T. oil to the skillet. Cook the garlic, parsley, and red pepper flakes until the garlic toasts slightly, 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, chickpeas, a pinch of salt and the bay leaves. Cook until the tomatoes and chickpeas brown, about 6 minutes. Add the escarole and reserved tomato juice and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 4 more minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the sauce; season with salt and pepper. (If the sauce is thick, add some reserved pasta water.) Stir in the cheese and top with fried capers, if using, and more cheese.
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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY
JackieOhNo!
Stormville, New York
I didn't start cooking until my early 20's, even though I come from a family of accomplished and admired home cooks. While I grew up watching my Italian grandmother in the kitchen, I remained uninterested in trying anything on my own. As a young lady, I was known for being particularly ignorant in the kitchen, with no idea how to even make a hot dog! All this changed, however, when I got engaged. I realized it was time to let my inherent talents out of the bag. At the time, the New York Times had a weekly column called The 60-Minute Gourmet by Pierre Franey. Each week, I would follow these recipes diligently, and taught myself to cook that way. From there, I began to read cookbooks and consult with relatives on family recipes. At my ripe old age now, I feel I know enough to put together a very pleasing meal and have become accomplished in my own right. Having an Irish father and an Italian mother, I'm glad I inherited the cooking gene (and the drinking one too!). One thing I have learned is that simpler is always better! I always believe cooking fills a need to nurture and show love. After being widowed fairly young and living alone with my dog and cats, I stopped cooking for awhile, since I really had no one to cook for. I made care packages for my grown son occasionally, and like to cook weekly for my boyfriend, so I feel like I am truly back in the saddle!!