Bright pesto pasta with lemon, veggies, chicken, and crispy chickpeas.

When you’re craving a dinner that’s fresh, flavorful, and still feels a little special, Pesto Chickpea Crunch Pasta is the answer. This pasta brings together vibrant pesto, crispy chickpeas, and a squeeze of lemon for a bright, satisfying bite. Add chicken for a hearty option or keep it vegetarian for a lighter take- either way, this pesto chickpea crunch pasta delivers the perfect mix of texture, flavor, and easy weeknight vibes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a quick and easy weeknight pasta recipe.
• The pesto chickpea crunch pasta has layers of flavor from garlic, lemon, and pesto.
• Crispy chickpeas and feta add texture and tang.
• It can be made with rotisserie chicken or kept vegetarian.
• Bright, hearty, and satisfying for any season.

Ingredient Notes

• Pasta – Fresh or refrigerated pasta like penne or rigatoni works best for a tender bite.
• Pesto – Store-bought is convenient, but homemade adds an extra layer of freshness.
• Cherry tomatoes – Juicy and sweet, they balance the richness of the pesto.
• Zucchini – Sliced thin so it blends seamlessly into the pasta.
• Rotisserie chicken – A quick way to add protein without extra cooking.
• Crispy chickpeas – Store-bought roasted chickpeas save time and give the pasta its crunch factor.
• Feta – Crumbles add tangy creaminess that pairs perfectly with pesto.
• Lemon zest – Brightens the dish and ties all the flavors together.
• Garlic – A single grated clove gives depth and savory balance.

Before You Make

Can I use dried pasta instead of fresh?
Yes, dried pasta works perfectly—just cook it according to the package instructions and save a little pasta water to help loosen the pesto sauce.

Do I have to use rotisserie chicken?
No, the chicken is optional. This pesto chickpea crunch pasta is delicious vegetarian, or you can swap in grilled shrimp or even roasted salmon for variety.

Will the crispy chickpeas stay crunchy?
Yes, but only if you add them just before serving. If you mix them in too early, they’ll soften in the sauce.

Pesto Chickpea Crunch Pasta

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb fresh or pre-cooked pasta (like refrigerated penne or rigatoni)
• 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup sliced zucchini
• 1 1/2 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded, optional)
• 1 cup crispy roasted chickpeas (store-bought or homemade)
• Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• 1 garlic clove (grated)
• Feta crumbles

Instructions

1. Cook or warm the pasta according to the package instructions.
2. Toss the pasta with pesto, grated garlic, and lemon zest, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to create a smooth sauce.
3. Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes and rotisserie chicken, if using.
4. Finish with a sprinkle of crispy chickpeas and crumbled feta for added crunch.
5. Just before serving, squeeze fresh lemon over the top for a bright touch!

FAQ

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
You can prep the pasta, pesto, and veggies in advance, but wait to add the chickpeas and feta until right before serving for the best texture.

What kind of pesto works best?
Classic basil pesto is most common, but sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto also taste amazing in this recipe.

Is this pasta good cold?
Yes, it doubles as a pasta salad! Just refrigerate and enjoy chilled with an extra squeeze of lemon before serving.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add fresh chickpeas on top when reheating or serving to keep the crunch.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and check that your chickpeas and pesto are certified gluten-free.

Sprinkle of Fun

This Pesto Chickpea Crunch Pasta isn’t just a weeknight win, it’s perfect for entertaining, too. Picture it served in a big bowl at a spring garden party, with the colors of the tomatoes, zucchini, and lemon zest popping against the green pesto. It’s bright, cheerful, and guaranteed to stand out on the table just as much as the flowers around it.