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Chickpeas all’Arrabbiata Recipe

4.6 from 108 reviews

Chickpeas all’Arrabbiata is a vibrant and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chickpeas simmered in a spicy tomato sauce infused with garlic and crushed red pepper. This hearty, rustic stew is perfect served over creamy polenta and garnished with freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, delivering a rich combination of bold flavors that warm the soul.

Ingredients

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Chickpeas all’Arrabbiata

  • 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, to taste

Optional Serving Ingredients

  • No-stir polenta (as desired)
  • Freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Infuse the Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and crushed red pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes very fragrant and the garlic starts to turn pale golden, about 5 minutes. Avoid browning the garlic to prevent bitterness.
  2. Simmer the Tomatoes: Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes with their juices. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Then reduce the heat and continue to simmer gently, breaking the tomatoes into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Let cook for 10 minutes to develop the sauce.
  3. Add Chickpeas and Season: Stir in the rinsed chickpeas, season with salt, and simmer the mixture while stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and flavors meld, approximately 15 minutes.
  4. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust salt and crushed red pepper to your preference for heat and flavor. For serving, spoon the stew over no-stir polenta if desired, and top with freshly shaved Parmesan cheese for a creamy, savory finish.

Notes

  • Do not brown the garlic to keep the dish’s flavor clean and slightly sweet.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper to taste if you prefer a milder or spicier dish.
  • This dish pairs beautifully served over creamy polenta or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
  • Use high-quality canned tomatoes for best flavor.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well on the stovetop.

Keywords: chickpeas, arrabbiata, spicy tomato sauce, Italian stew, vegetarian, polenta, garlic, crushed red pepper, easy dinner