Pasta e Ceci (Pasta with Chickpeas)

By Lee Jackson ↣ Published on: January 6, 2026

Pasta e Ceci is a humble, comforting Italian classic made from pantry staples. It’s deeply savoury and incredibly satisfying.

Pasta e Ceci is a celebrated example of cucina povera — simple ingredients transformed into something memorable. Chickpeas simmer with garlic, olive oil and rosemary, then small pasta cooks directly in the pot to create a naturally creamy, soup-like sauce. The result is warming and more luxurious than the humble ingredient list suggests.

Adaptable: Omit anchovies and use vegetable stock to make this fully vegetarian or vegan.

What’s Ahead?

What is Pasta e Ceci?

Pasta e Ceci is a traditional dish from Rome and the Lazio region that pairs chickpeas with small pasta, garlic, olive oil and herbs in a single pot. As the pasta cooks, it releases starch into the chickpea broth, producing a naturally creamy consistency. This economical, nourishing dish is classic Italian comfort food.

Regional variations exist across Central and Southern Italy; each area brings subtle differences in ingredients and technique.

Why you’ll love it

• Budget-friendly pantry ingredients — easy to put together with staples.
• One-pot, low-effort — pasta cooks in the sauce, so fewer dishes to wash.
• Hearty, but not heavy — satisfying without feeling weighed down.
• Quick — about 25 minutes from start to finish.
• Vegetarian adaptable — omit anchovies and use vegetable stock for a meat-free meal.

Stuff You’ll Need

Most ingredients are likely already in your pantry.

• Chickpeas — canned chickpeas work well and save time.
• Pasta — small shapes like ditalini are traditional; alternatives listed below work too.
• Anchovies — optional; they add salty umami. Omit for vegetarian/vegan versions.
• Garlic — a clove or two for depth of flavour.
• Tomato paste — a small amount to add sweetness and depth.
• Rosemary — a sprig infuses a pleasant fragrance; adjust to taste.
• Broth/Stock — vegetable, chicken or beef stock; vegetable stock keeps it vegetarian.

Step by Step

Pasta e ceci is easy to prepare in one pot. Follow these steps:

1. Saute — Heat oil over moderate heat. Fry anchovies (if using) and garlic until anchovies dissolve, leaving a rich umami base. Vegetarians can skip anchovies and just fry the garlic.
2. Add tomato paste — Stir in briefly to release its flavour.
3. Add chickpeas — Stir to combine with the aromatics.
4. Add stock and rosemary — Pour in the broth and add the sprig of rosemary; simmer for about 10 minutes to meld flavours.
5. Add the pasta — Add pasta and cook partially covered to package timings. Keep the simmer gentle and stir to prevent sticking; add more liquid if it reduces too much. The starch from the pasta will thicken the broth slightly.
6. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, removing the rosemary sprig, and serving with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and optional grated cheese.