Description

Pasta e Ceci is a comforting Italian soup featuring tender ditalini pasta, creamy chickpeas, fresh rosemary, and hearty greens simmered in a flavorful broth for a simple yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients

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Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves (about 3 sprigs)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (32-ounce) carton low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (4 cups)
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
2 (about 15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
8 ounces dried ditalini pasta (about 1 2/3 cups)
4 cups coarsely chopped hearty greens, such as flat-leaf kale or escarole leaves (1 small bunch, optional)
Finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Heat oil and aromatics: Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-low heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Cook tomato paste: Stir in 3 tablespoons tomato paste and cook, stirring occasionally, until darkened in color, fragrant, and beginning to stick to the bottom of the pot, 4 to 5 minutes.
Add broth and chickpeas: Stir in 1 (32-ounce) carton low-sodium chicken broth and 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in 2 (about 15-ounce) cans drained and rinsed chickpeas and 8 ounces dried ditalini pasta. Cook, stirring regularly to prevent the pasta from sticking, until the pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes.
Add greens and finish: Stir in 4 cups coarsely chopped hearty greens in the last 2 minutes of cooking if desired. Taste and season with more kosher salt as needed. Serve garnished with finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese if desired.

Notes

Substitutions: 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary can be used in place of fresh rosemary.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.