Parmesan Chickpea Soup
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
2 to 4 people
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Course
Main Course, Soup
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Cuisine
American
Parmesan Chickpea Soup
Description
Parmesan Chickpea Soup features a savory blend of chickpeas simmered with onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a broth infused with a parmesan rind. The soup includes tiny pasta cooked until just tender, which adds bite and heartiness. Spinach folded in toward the end contributes a leafy component and mild color contrast. The final flavor layers include fresh parmesan cheese and bright lemon juice for balance, producing a warm soup with a nuanced savory depth and gentle heat.
The cooking method involves gently sautéing the aromatics before adding chickpeas, broth, and cheese rind to build richness. As the pasta cooks directly in the broth, it absorbs savory notes while releasing starch to slightly thicken the soup. The spinach’s quick wilting preserves its texture and nutrients. Serving with lemon wedges and extra parmesan lets eaters customize acidity and richness.
This soup stands as a filling yet not heavy dish, making it appropriate as an appetizer or light lunch. The combination of protein-rich chickpeas and pasta brings satiation without overwhelming. It pairs well with simple breads or a light salad for a balanced meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion diced, sweet
- 3 garlic minced, cloves
- salt kosher salt
- black pepper kosher salt
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes crushed
- 1 chickpeas drained and rinsed, canned
- 1 parmesan rind
- 4 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
- ¾ cup pasta like ditalini or farfallini, tiny-cut
- 5 ounces spinach frozen or 8 ounces fresh
- Parmesan Cheese for topping
- lemon for spritzing, wedges
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Stir in the onion and garlic with a big pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, until translucent. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Stir in the chickpeas, parmesan rind and stock. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add in your pasta. Cook until the pasta is al dente - this will be determined on the box of pasta you use - somewhere between 8 and 12 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the spinach. Taste and season with extra salt and pepper. Top with lots of parmesan cheese. Ladle into bowls and serve with a lemon wedge for spritzing.