Ghost Pepper Chickpea Pasta Bake (Print Version)

Fiery chickpea pasta, roasted veggies, and melted cheese join for bold flavor and satisfying fusion comfort.

# Components:

→ Pasta and Legumes

01 - 340 g chickpea pasta (penne or fusilli)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
03 - 1 small zucchini, diced
04 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 150 g cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Sauce and Spices

08 - 480 ml marinara sauce
09 - 0.25–0.5 tsp ghost pepper powder (adjust for spice level)
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 0.5 tsp salt
13 - 0.25 tsp black pepper

→ Cheese and Toppings

14 - 140 g shredded mozzarella cheese
15 - 25 g grated Parmesan cheese
16 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.
02 - Cook chickpea pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add red onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
05 - Incorporate marinara sauce, ghost pepper powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently to meld flavors.
06 - Add the cooked chickpea pasta to the sauce mixture. Toss gently until all pasta strands are evenly coated.
07 - Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
08 - Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is fully melted and develops a golden hue.
09 - Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, if using. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour for weeknight dinners
  • Packs 22g of protein per serving from chickpea pasta
  • Completely vegetarian but satisfyingly hearty
  • Customizable heat level to suit your spice tolerance
02 -
  • The dish keeps getting spicier as leftovers sit in the refrigerator
  • Can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving
  • Perfect for meal prep freezes beautifully for up to 3 months
03 -
  • Always taste and adjust the ghost pepper level before adding the pasta the heat intensifies during baking.
  • When I make this for new guests, I always prepare a cooling yogurt sauce on the side just in case the heat proves too much for someone.

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