freshly ground black pepper or red pepper flakesto taste
215-oz canschickpeasdrained and rinsed
1cuncooked ditalini pastaor another small shape
4chot water
Finishing Oil
1/4colive oil
2cloves garlicpeeled and finely chopped
2tspminced fresh rosemary
salt and red pepper flakesto taste
Instructions
In a medium-large heavy-bottomed pot or deep saute pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil until it shimmers.
Add 2 smashed cloves of garlic and cook, stirring until it becomes lightly, barely browned but very fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste, salt, and pepper and cook them with the garlic for 30 seconds or so.
Add the chickpeas, pasta, and water. Stir to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot, lower the heat, and simmer until the pasta is cooked and a lot of the liquid has been absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes. Note: with a shape like ditalini, you'll need to stir fairly regularly to ensure that the pasta doesn't adhere to the bottom of the pot.
Taste and adjust seasoning and ladle into bowls.
To make finishing oil: Heat olive oil in a small sauce- or frying pan over medium-low heat with minced garlic, rosemary, a pinch or two of salt and pepper flakes, until sizzling; pull it off the heat as soon as the garlic is going to start taking on color. Drizzle this over bowls of pasta e ceci and eat it right away.