Ingredients

The following ingredients have 6 Servings
  • 2 sliced jalapeños, deseeded. Keep a few seeds intact if you want an extra spicy dish.
  • 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt or onion salt
  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (divided)
  • pinch of kosher salt/pepper (to taste)
  • 16 ounce (2 boxes) gluten-free pasta shells 
  • Water for boiling pasta
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic minced or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 
  • 1 cup non-dairy milk
  • 1/2+ cup vegetable broth or water (as needed depending on desired thickness)
  • 2/3 cup to 3/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 
  • 1-1/4 Tablespoon arrowroot starch or tapioca starch
  • Optional 2 teaspoons Tabasco or 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instruction

  • Preheat oven 400F. Slice jalapeños 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick. Slice them too thin and they will cook faster than the time recommended.
  • Mix jalapeños, chickpeas, paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, salt/pepper, in a bowl with 1 Tablespoon oil. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 400F for 15-20 minutes.
  • While that is baking, cook your pasta according to package directions. Tip – add 2 teaspoons salt to boiling water for better texture.
  • Once pasta is cooked, thoroughly drain and place pasta back into the pot. Toss 2 to 3 Tablespoons olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic.  Add in 1/4 teaspoon salt/pepper to taste. Keep the heat on low.
  • In another small saucepan, whisk together non-dairy milk with broth, nutritional yeast flakes, garlic, and arrowroot powder.
  • Bring to a quick boil, then reduce to low and stir continuously until a thickened “cheesy” sauce is formed.  Add a few tablespoons more milk, for a thinner sauce is desired before adding to pasta.
  • Add this sauce to the pasta and mix together. If the pasta with sauce seems too dry, toss with 1-2 Tablespoons more olive oil.
  • Once jalapeños/chickpeas are done baking, add them to the pasta.
  • Stir gently to combine. Season with salt/pepper to taste, if desired, and garnish with cilantro.