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Chickpeas all’Arrabbiata Recipe

4.9 from 61 reviews

Chickpeas all’Arrabbiata is a spicy Italian-inspired stew featuring tender chickpeas simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce infused with garlic and crushed red pepper. This comforting dish is perfect for a hearty vegetarian meal and can be served over creamy polenta with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, plus more as desired
  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
  • 2 (15- to 16-ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed
  • Salt

Optional Ingredients

  • No-stir polenta (optional)
  • Freshly shaved Parmesan cheese (optional), for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil and garlic: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and the crushed red pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is very fragrant and just starting to turn pale golden, about 5 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.
  2. Simmer tomatoes: Add the whole peeled tomatoes along with their juices to the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer gently, breaking up the tomatoes into small pieces with a wooden spoon, for 10 minutes.
  3. Add chickpeas and season: Stir in the rinsed chickpeas and season with salt. Continue to simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, about 15 minutes more.
  4. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the stew and add additional salt and crushed red pepper as needed for seasoning. For serving, you may choose to spoon the chickpeas all’Arrabbiata over no-stir polenta and garnish with freshly shaved Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Do not brown the garlic; it should be just pale golden for the best flavor.
  • You can adjust the heat level by adding more crushed red pepper to taste.
  • Serving over polenta is optional but adds a creamy texture contrast.
  • Parmesan is an optional garnish for a richer taste but can be omitted for a vegan version.
  • This dish stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Chickpeas recipe, Arrabbiata sauce, Spicy chickpeas, Italian vegetarian dish, Polenta, Garlic tomato chickpeas