What Can I Use Instead of a Dutch Oven?

This recipe just cooks on the stovetop, so a large stockpot would work.

What Can I Serve with Chickpeas alla Vodka?

This dish has so much flavor that we suggest a simple salad . It won’t compete and is a refreshing interlude. Of course, we can’t stress enough the importance of having a lot of good bread on hand, as you won’t want any of the delicious sauce to go to waste.

Chickpeas alla Vodka

Name: Chickpeas alla Vodka Is Better Than Pasta—Trust Us
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 3/4 cup chopped sweet onion; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added chickpeas, rinsed (about 3 cups); 1/2 cup no-salt-added tomato sauce; 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups vodka pasta sauce; 1/2 cup half-and-half; 4 cups baby kale; 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese; 4 ounces crusty whole-wheat baguette, cut crosswise into 4 equal pieces, halved lengthwise and toasted

Chickpeas alla Vodka Is Better Than Pasta—Trust Us

4.7

(6)

6 Reviews

This Chickpeas alla Vodka is the ultra-quick, fiber-packed dinner you’ve been waiting for! Chickpeas are swimming in a creamy vodka sauce that gets enhancements from sautéed garlic, onion and vibrant green baby kale. Crispy, toasted whole-wheat bread is perfect for dipping. You can customize this dish easily by using chard or spinach in place of kale.

Renu Anshie Dhar

Published on April 10, 2024

Tested by

Amanda Stanfield

Reviewed by Dietitian

Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Nutrition Notes

Are Chickpeas Good for You?

Chickpeas are a type of legume and, like all legumes, are loaded with nutrition. They’re a good source of plant-based protein and provide fiber, folate, iron and a little potassium. Chickpeas are also a low-fat food with virtually no saturated fat or cholesterol.

Is Vodka Sauce Healthy?

There are a ton of different recipes for vodka sauce, but essentially, it’s made with some form of tomatoes (whole, crushed, sauce), cream and vodka. Some recipes call for a little butter, others use olive oil, and some use both. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of vitamin K and potassium. They’re also loaded with various antioxidants that support heart, skin and eye health. The cream in vodka sauce cuts some of the acidity of the tomatoes, offering a richer sauce, and a little bit goes a long way.

Tips from the Test Kitchen

Is There a Substitute for Baby Kale?

Absolutely. For this recipe, you could easily swap the baby kale for baby spinach—and chard would work well too. You want a tender green that wilts easily.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 cup chopped sweet onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added chickpeas, rinsed (about 3 cups)
1/2 cup no-salt-added tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups vodka pasta sauce
1/2 cup half-and-half
4 cups baby kale
1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
4 ounces crusty whole-wheat baguette, cut crosswise into 4 equal pieces, halved lengthwise and toasted

Directions

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and just starting to brown around edges, about 4 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 45 seconds.
Stir in chickpeas, tomato sauce, pepper, oregano, crushed red pepper and salt; cook, stirring often, until the chickpeas are warmed through, about 2 minutes. Add vodka sauce; cook, stirring occasionally, until steaming, about 2 minutes.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser
Add half-and-half; bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in kale; cook, stirring constantly, until wilted and bright green, about 1 minute.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser
Divide among 4 shallow bowls; top each with 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Serve each with 2 toasted baguette pieces.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1¼ cups chickpea mixture & 2 bread pieces

Calories 468, Fat 16g, Saturated Fat 5g, Cholesterol 24mg, Carbohydrates 57g, Total Sugars 10g, Added Sugars 0g, Protein 22g, Fiber 12g, Sodium 688mg, Potassium 1,033mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Use Instead of a Dutch Oven?

This recipe just cooks on the stovetop, so a large stockpot would work.
What Can I Serve with Chickpeas alla Vodka?

This dish has so much flavor that we suggest a simple salad. It won’t compete and is a refreshing interlude. Of course, we can’t stress enough the importance of having a lot of good bread on hand, as you won’t want any of the delicious sauce to go to waste.

EatingWell.com, April 2024