Stanley Tucci’s Cozy Pasta e Ceci Recipe

Stanley Tucci recently shared a cozy, one-pan recipe perfect for the chilly autumn months: pasta e ceci. Adapted from chef Julius Roberts, this hearty, nutrient-packed dish brings together pasta and chickpeas for a satisfying, comforting meal that’s rich in flavor—an ideal weeknight go-to. Tucci showcased the dish on Instagram, describing it as “a perfect autumn dish” that’s both simple and full of flavor.

In the video posted to Instagram, Tucci shares that he found the recipe in Roberts’s cookbook, The Farm Table. “He’s a chef here, in England,” Tucci says. “I think he’s amazing.” Based on this recipe, we’re inclined to agree with him.

The recipe starts by warming olive oil in a pan, then adding finely chopped garlic and a touch of chili for warmth. Next, he tosses in a sprig of rosemary and a couple of bay leaves, infusing the oil with a cozy, aromatic depth that is sure to make your kitchen smell incredible. After a few minutes, Tucci adds in a chopped onion, leek and carrot, letting the vegetables sauté until they soften. This veggie-packed step is crucial, as it brings a natural sweetness to the dish while packing in fiber and nutrients. 

Once the veggies are tender, a spoonful of tomato purée goes in, adding rich tomato flavor to the base. Tucci then stirs in a can of plum tomatoes, along with a sprinkle of salt. To enhance the heartiness, he adds an undrained can of chickpeas and lets everything simmer for about 15 minutes. The chickpeas bring some protein and fiber, making it a meal that’ll keep you full long after you’ve cleaned your plate.

For a creamy texture without having to use any cream, Tucci purees a second can of chickpeas and adds it to the sauce to make it a touch creamier. “That gives a really beautiful sort of thickness to it,” Tucci explains. He reserves a portion of the sauce to prevent the pasta from soaking up too much liquid, then stirs in cooked large elbow pasta. You can substitute any pasta of your choice, though he recommends a smaller shaped pasta. (We suggest macaroni or cavatappi for our cozy Pasta e Ceci recipe.)

For the finishing touch, Tucci spoons some of the reserved sauce over the plated pasta and drizzles it with a bit of olive oil. This one-pan pasta e ceci is exactly the kind of hearty, budget-friendly dish that’s easy to make and even easier to fall in love with. 

Pair it with something bright and fresh, like our Apple, Fig and Brussels Sprouts Salad to add more fall flavor and veggies to your meal—or just to stretch the recipe to feed a big group. With just a few pantry staples, this classic pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering big on flavor, warmth and comfort – without requiring hours in the kitchen.