Trader Joe’s Bomba Sauce and Sun-dried Tomatoes Star in this Simple Pasta Dish
This Trader Joe’s Pantry Pasta is an old standby we’ve loved for years, made new again with the addition of Trader Joe’s Bomba Sauce. I’ve kept the heat mellow. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
Adapted from a Sara Moulton recipe, you can get dinner done in about 30 minutes. Let’s take a look at the ingredients.
I am attempting to upload the “making of” video to IGTV, but it has been sluggish all day. Fingers crossed. (Update 3/30:it’s live! Whew!)
If you’re looking for other recipe ideas with chickpeas, check out:
Penne with Zucchini, Ricotta and Chickpeas
Insalata di Farro e Ceci, aka Farro and Chickpeas
Penne with Chickpeas and Broccoli
Adapted from a Sara Moulton recipe on FoodNetwork.com. The bread crumbs provide texture, but if you'd rather use finely chopped nuts, that works, too.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. penne rigate
- kosher salt
- ~1/2 lb. broccoli florets and stems, cut into ~1 - 1.5 inch florets, 1/4 inch stems
- 2 T. olive oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 t. Trader Joe's bomba sauce (+ more to taste)
- ~1/2 c. sun dried tomatoes in olive oil
- 1 1/2 c. chickpeas (or 1 15 oz. can rinsed and drained)
- 1 c. grated Parmiggiano Reggiano cheese
- 1/2 c. toasted bread crumbs
- salt and black pepper to season
Instructions
Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl and set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt lightly. Cook the broccoli for 3 minutes (stem pieces - 2 minutes, florets: 3 minutes) and then blanch it in the ice bath. Drain the ice water and set aside. Broccoli should be bright green. DO NOT DRAIN THE BOILING WATER.
Bring the water back to a boil and cook the pasta 1 minute less than the package directs. When ~5 or 6 minutes remain on the pasta, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds - 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the bomba sauce and cook for 30 seconds. Add the chickpeas and sun dried tomatoes and stir until coated. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Stir in the broccoli.
When the pasta is done, use a spider strainer or slotted spoon to transfer the pasta to the skillet. If you need to drain it over the sink, save 1 c. of the pasta water. Stir the pasta until coated. Add a little less than 1/2 c. of pasta water. Add the parmesan cheese and mix until combined. Check to see if it's saucy enough for you. It shouldn't be swimming, but it shouldn't be dry either. Stir in more cheese, if desired.
Add about half of the bread crumbs. Pour onto a platter to serve. Top with the more breadcrumbs and cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
