Chickpea Pasta

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste (I used roasted garlic flavor)

• 1 (6 ounce) can water (fill tomato paste can)
• 1 lb pasta (I use trio italiano)

• 1 (14 ounce) can chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• salt
• pepper
• 1/2 cup fresh parmesan cheese

Directions

1. 1

   Add olive oil to a small sauce pan over medium high heat.

2. 2

   Add garlic and crushed red peppers and cook until slightly golden and fragrant.

3. 3

   Add tomato paste and water.

4. 4

   Simmer, uncovered, for 1/2 hour. Add more water, if necessary.

5. 5

   Stir frequently to be sure it doesn't burn.

6. 6

   Cook pasta according to directions, drain but RESERVE ONE CUP OF COOKED PASTA WATER).

7. 7

   Add the sauce and drained chickpeas to the pasta and add the reserved cooking water slowly until you reach your desired consistency.

8. 8

   Serve with fresh grated parmesan cheese.