Curried Chickpea Brothy Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This curried chickpea brothy pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with spiced lentils and chickpeas. Perfect for using up leftovers, it’s a quick and satisfying meal with warm Indian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp tomato purée
- 400g can chickpeas, drained
- 750ml vegetable stock
- 700g leftover coconut, curry leaf & turmeric saucy lentils
- 150g small pasta (we used macaroni)
- 150g kale
- Flatbreads, to serve
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion with a pinch of salt and cook for 8-10 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized around the edges.
- Step 2: Stir in the tomato purée and cook for another 3-5 minutes until it darkens and becomes caramelised.
- Step 3: Add the drained chickpeas, vegetable stock, and leftover saucy lentils to the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 6-8 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain well once cooked.
- Step 5: Add the kale to the lentil mixture and cook for an additional 5 minutes until wilted and tender.
- Step 6: Stir in the cooked pasta, season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well. Serve warm with flatbreads for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Swap kale for spinach or chard if preferred for a slightly different texture.
- Use any small pasta shapes like penne or ditalini if macaroni isn’t available.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh coriander for extra brightness before serving.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or stock if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, this recipe is already vegan, using plant-based ingredients and vegetable stock.
What can I use if I don’t have leftover lentils?
If you don’t have leftover lentils, cook fresh lentils with coconut milk, curry leaves, and turmeric to replicate the flavors, or substitute with a ready-made curried lentil dish.
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Curried Chickpea Brothy Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Curried Chickpea Brothy Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chickpeas, saucy lentils infused with coconut, curry leaf, and turmeric, and perfectly cooked pasta. Enhanced with kale and served alongside warm flatbreads, it’s a hearty, wholesome meal ideal for utilizing leftovers creatively while packing in a delicious blend of spices and textures.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp tomato purée
- 400g can chickpeas, drained
- 750ml vegetable stock
- 700g leftover coconut, curry leaf & turmeric saucy lentils (see step 1)
- 150g small pasta (macaroni recommended)
- 150g kale
- Flatbreads, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat the olive oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion with a pinch of salt and cook for 8-10 minutes until the onion is soft and starting to brown around the edges.
- Add tomato purée: Stir in the tomato purée and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, letting it darken and caramelize to deepen the flavor of the sauce.
- Add chickpeas and stock: Pour in the drained chickpeas, vegetable stock, and leftover coconut, curry leaf & turmeric saucy lentils. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for 6-8 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the small pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it well once cooked.
- Add kale to broth: Add the kale to the lentil and chickpea mixture and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the greens to soften while maintaining some texture.
- Combine and serve: Stir the drained pasta into the brothy lentil mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot accompanied by flatbreads for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
Notes
- Use leftover saucy lentils to add rich flavor and reduce food waste.
- Small pasta shapes like macaroni work best to hold the broth of the dish.
- Kale adds a nutritious green element; spinach or chard can be substituted.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to suit your taste—consider adding more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Serve with warm flatbreads or naan for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Keywords: curried chickpea pasta, brothy pasta, vegetarian lentil curry, leftover lentils recipe, kale pasta stew, Indian inspired pasta dish

