Chick Pea Pasta ...yes its really pasta...just all protein!

I love carbs...all day long. But, sadly I am not allowed them on the Daniel fast I am on for the next 21 days. I certainly don't need them but I am missing them greatly.  As a chef, I am not going to settle for celery and carrot sticks with an apple for dessert. I believe I can do better. There are so many options available in the store and its just the habit of grabbing the first thing we see to eat..... without regarding our health! I am the biggest offender. We were challenged  from our pastor to fast.. It has made me take a long look at not only my spiritual condition but my health also.
Both can use some improvement!
So,  instead of just doing a salad all day or roasted veggies, I need some flavor. When I saw the Chick Pea pasta at the store I just had to give it a try and it didn't disappoint!  Great protein, gluten free, fiber , vegan friendly, low sodium , cholesterol free with added potassium and iron!  One ingredient on the label...you gotta love that!! There was no long list of additives! Armed with a basket of veggies , here is what we cam up with for dinner.
PESTO CHICKPEA PASTA WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES
Prepare about 7  cups of your favorite veggies on a baking sheet for roasting. Lightly drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper and  toss them to coat well. I used fresh and frozen veggies because that is what I had. I used a mix of red bell pepper, carrots , squash, zucchini, onion, mushrooms, spinach and broccoli. Bake at 375 till edges begin to brown. That really brings out great vegetable flavor.
Boil pasta per package directions in a pot of water with salt added. Boil till Al  Dente and strain reserving a cup of the pasta water. 
Once pasta is finished, I sauteed 2 cloves of garlic in a drop or two of olive oil and then quickly added the reserved pasta water back with a cup of halved cherry tomato's and 5 ounces of pesto. I also added a cup of vegetable stock for more flavor. Next add pepper, and one teaspoon of Herbs De Provence. Heat and add your pasta and veggies back to coat well in the pesto sauce and serve while hot. We are not allowed dairy on the fast but a healthy dose of Parmesan would be great! But really, this pasta was so good it didn't need it. I added a few roasted Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for a little texture and crunch! This is a easy recipe really to make it your own with your favorite veggies and spices.
Let me know if you try it!!!