Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chickpeas & Shiitake – Easy, Delicious, & Loaded with Flavor

Level up your pasta game! This creamy pesto penne with chickpeas and shiitake mushrooms is packed with flavor and perfect for a quick, satisfying meal. Watch till the end for a pro tip to make it even more delicious!

---

Ingredients and Calories:

-Penne pasta (500g): ~1600 calories
-Canned chickpeas (1 cup, drained, rinsed, and chopped): ~210 calories
-Dried shiitake mushrooms (1 cup, rehydrated or left dry): ~30 calories
-Pesto sauce (360g, divided): ~950-1000 calories
-Cream cheese (150g): ~500 calories
-Olive oil (1 tbsp): ~120 calories
-Garlic (2 cloves, minced): ~10 calories
-Optional Parmesan cheese for garnish: ~20-30 calories per tbsp
-Optional fresh basil for garnish

Total Calories: ~3440-3490
Calories per Serving (8 servings): 430-440 calories

---

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil water, add salt and a little oil, and cook penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Mushrooms: If rehydrating, soak in warm water for 10-15 minutes, drain, and chop. Alternatively, cook mushrooms dry for richer flavor absorption.
3. Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, add mushrooms, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add half the pesto to infuse mushrooms with flavor. Reserve remaining pesto for later.
4. Add Chickpeas: Stir in chopped chickpeas, cooking for 2 minutes. Alternatively, swap for shredded roasted chicken.
5. Create Creamy Pesto Sauce: Lower heat, add cream cheese, and stir until melted and smooth. Mix in remaining pesto sauce.
6. Combine with Pasta: Toss cooked penne in sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve: Divide into 8 servings, garnishing with Parmesan and basil as desired.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Creamy Pesto Pasta!

#CreamyPestoPasta
#ChickpeaPasta
#shiitake
#shiitakemushrooms
#EasyPastaRecipe
#FlavorfulMeals
#HealthyComfortFood
#QuickDinner
#FoodieInspo
#CookingAtHome
#PastaLovers
#amsr
#gamingfoodie
#kitchentips
#quickrecipe
#snacks
#comfortfood
#cozyeats