There’s something magical about the combination of juicy cherry tomatoes and crispy chickpeas that transforms a simple pasta dish into an unforgettable feast. Imagine twirling golden spaghetti around your fork, each bite bursting with the rich, sweet flavor of jammy cherry tomatoes, while crunchy lemon-rosemary chickpeas add a delightful contrast that makes your taste buds dance like no one’s watching.
As I prepared this Jammy Cherry Tomato Pasta with Crisp Lemon Rosemary Chickpeas for a cozy family dinner, I couldn’t help but think back to the last time we gathered around the table laughing over shared stories and delicious food. delicious one pot pasta dish This dish is perfect for those evenings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, making it an ideal choice for both casual weeknights and special occasions. For more inspiration, check out this Savory Chicken Linguine recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing, enticing everyone to dig in
- Crispy lemon rosemary chickpeas add a unique crunch that elevates your pasta experience
- Enjoy it as a delightful main course or a stunning side dish at gatherings
I’ll never forget the first time I served this dish; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was and even asked for seconds!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Cherry Tomatoes: Look for plump, red cherry tomatoes; they should be firm to the touch and fragrant.
-
Spaghetti: Use your favorite type of spaghetti; whole wheat adds a nutty flavor while regular offers classic comfort.
-
Canned Chickpeas: Rinse them well to reduce sodium; they should be tender and ready to soak up flavors.
-
Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest brightens the dish; use a microplane for fine zest that enhances aroma.
-
Fresh Rosemary: Choose vibrant green rosemary sprigs; they should smell fragrant and earthy, perfect for roasting. perfect summer salad pairing.
-
Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for depth of flavor in both pasta and chickpeas.
-
Salt & Pepper: Opt for kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to season each element perfectly.
-
Parmesan Cheese (optional): A sprinkling of grated Parmesan adds richness; choose fresh cheese for the best flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Roasting the Chickpeas: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread rinsed chickpeas on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and chopped rosemary. Roast until golden and crispy, about 25-30 minutes.
Cooking the Pasta: While the chickpeas are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Sautéing the Tomatoes: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook until they start to burst, releasing their juices – about 5-7 minutes will do nicely.
Combining Everything: Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet with tomatoes. Toss everything together while adding reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
Topping with Chickpeas & Cheese: Gently fold in crispy roasted chickpeas into your pasta mix. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired before serving. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta recipe.
Enjoy your Jammy Cherry Tomato Pasta with Crisp Lemon Rosemary Chickpeas while it’s warm! You’ll notice how every bite combines sweetness from tomatoes with crunchiness from chickpeas – pure bliss! creamy pasta alternative. creamy Tuscan orzo recipe.
You Must Know
- This Jammy Cherry Tomato Pasta with Crisp Lemon Rosemary Chickpeas is not just a meal; it’s an experience
- The vibrant colors and delightful aromas will tantalize your senses, making it perfect for any occasion
- Plus, it’s easy to prepare, ensuring you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To whip up this dish efficiently, start by roasting the chickpeas while boiling the pasta. This multitasking approach ensures everything comes together perfectly.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chickpeas for cannellini beans or add fresh spinach for extra nutrients. Personalize the dish based on your taste preferences!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to revive the sauce.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, use ripe cherry tomatoes at their peak sweetness
- Avoid overcooking the pasta to keep it al dente, ensuring a delightful texture
- Experiment with herbs like basil or thyme for a unique twist on this classic dish
The first time I made Jammy Cherry Tomato Pasta was for a casual dinner with friends. Their enthusiastic compliments made me realize how simple ingredients can create a memorable meal!

FAQ
Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried ones?
Absolutely! Just drain and rinse them before roasting.
How do I make the pasta gluten-free?
You can substitute regular pasta with gluten-free varieties like rice or quinoa pasta.
What if I don’t have rosemary?
No worries! Thyme or oregano works wonderfully in place of rosemary for a similar flavor profile.
Jammy Cherry Tomato Pasta with Crisp Lemon Rosemary Chickpeas
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in this Jammy Cherry Tomato Pasta paired with crispy Lemon Rosemary Chickpeas, a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Each bite features sweet, burst cherry tomatoes enveloped in golden spaghetti, complemented by the crunch of roasted chickpeas infused with citrusy rosemary. Perfect for casual family dinners or special occasions, this dish is both visually stunning and easy to prepare, ensuring you can impress your guests without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread chickpeas on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, lemon zest, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until crispy.
- While chickpeas roast, bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook until they burst and release juices (about 5-7 minutes).
- Toss cooked spaghetti with the tomatoes in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Gently fold in roasted chickpeas and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Roasting/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 73g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 10mg




Leave a Comment