Air Fryer Caramelized Moroccan Spiced Chickpea Pasta Skillet (Dairy-Free)
A vibrant, one-pan meal featuring crispy air-fried chickpeas and tender pasta coated in a warm, aromatic Moroccan spice blend, all caramelized to perfection without dairy. It's a quick, flavorful, and healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb chickpeas canned, drained and patted very dry
- 8 oz penne pasta or other short pasta, gluten-free if needed
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 tsp cumin ground
- 1 tsp paprika smoked preferred
- 1 tsp coriander ground
- 0.5 tsp cinnamon ground
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz can, undrained
- 2 cups vegetable broth low sodium
- 0.5 cup fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chickpeas will soften but the flavors will meld beautifully. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Make-Ahead Tip: You can air fry the chickpeas up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Cook the pasta and sauce just before serving. Variations: Add a handful of spinach or kale in the last few minutes of simmering for extra greens. For a creamier texture, stir in a dollop of dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream at the end. Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with lemon juice.