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Vegetarian Baked Ziti With Chorizo-Spiced Chickpeas

This Vegetarian Baked Ziti With Chorizo-Spiced Chickpeas is packed with vegetables, protein-rich beans, gooey cheese, and deliciously carb-y pasta.

Course Entree
Cuisine Italian
Keyword pasta, ziti
Servings 9
Author Shelly Westerhausen

Ingredients

For the chickpeas:

  • 1 can chickpeas , rinsed (or 1½ cups fresh chickpeas)
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked ground paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp ground oregano
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • 1 bay leaf , ground up in a mortar & pestle (optional)
  • dash of pepper

For the ziti:

  • 4 ounces uncooked ziti
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 large zucchinis , diced small
  • 1 onion , diced small
  • 1 bell pepper , diced
  • 2 garlic cloves , minced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes , chopped in half
  • 1 cup ricotta
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cracked pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan

Instructions

For the chickpeas: 

  1. Preheat oven 450 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Transfer chickpeas to a small mixing bowl and coat the 1 tsp olive oil and vinegar.
  3. In another small dish, whisk together paprika, cumin, chili powder, coriander, salt, bay leaf (if using), and pepper.
  4. Pour spice mixture over chickpeas and toss to coat.
  5. Transfer to a baking sheet and cook for 20-25 minutes or until crispy, tossing halfway through. Remove from oven and set aside.

For the baked ziti:

  1. Lower oven heat to 400 degrees F and grease a 9" baking dish.

  2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ricotta, egg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

  4. In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add zucchini, onion, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, or until softened.

  5. Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and sauté until they begin to soften, an additional 3 to 5 minutes.

  6. Remove from heat and stir in pasta, chickpeas, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella.

  7. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and sprinkle with Parmesan.

  8. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top has browned.

  9. Remove from heat and serve warm.