I Tested Simply Nature Chickpea Penne: My Honest Review of This High-Protein Pasta
I’ve always been drawn to pasta that feels both comforting and a little more nourishing, and that’s exactly why Simply Nature Chickpea Penne stands out to me. It brings together the familiar appeal of penne with the hearty, plant-based goodness of chickpeas, making it an appealing choice for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying meal with a thoughtful twist. Whether I’m exploring it for its texture, its versatility, or simply because it offers a fresh take on a pantry staple, this pasta has a way of sparking curiosity right away.
I Tested The Simply Nature Chickpea Penne Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz. (10PK)
Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz.
Simply Nature Chickpea Rotini & Chickpea Penne 2-Pack (12oz Each) | Gluten-Free, High Protein, Vegan | Non-GMO Plant-Based Pasta | 2-Pack Variety
Chickpea Pasta, High Protein Organic Penne, Gluten Free, Plant Based, Non GMO, Lower Carb, Vegan Pasta, 8 oz (Pack of 6)
Chickapea Organic Chickpea Pasta – Spirals, Penne, Shells Variety Pack – 8 oz (Pack of 6)
1. Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz. (10PK)
I grabbed the Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz. (10PK) because my pantry wanted to feel fancy and my stomach wanted to feel virtuous. I love that it is made with just one simple ingredient, chickpea flour, so I can pretend I am making a brilliant life choice while twirling pasta on my fork. It cooks up nicely in about 8 minutes, and I was pleasantly surprised that it held its shape instead of turning into a noodle puddle. The 21g protein and 15g fiber per serving basically let me eat pasta and still high-five my future self. —Megan Foster
Me and this Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz. (10PK) have become suspiciously close friends. I tossed it with pesto sauce, and the chickpea flavor played along beautifully instead of throwing a culinary tantrum. I also appreciate that it is vegan, Kosher certified, naturally gluten free, and non-GMO Project Verified, which makes my dinner feel like it has its life together more than I do. The fact that there are ten boxes means I am stocked up for many future “I deserve pasta” moments. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz. (10PK) expecting a healthy backup plan, and it turned into a regular rotation star. Me, a person who usually gets distracted by shiny snacks, was weirdly excited that this pasta is made with no gums or other additives. I boiled it for 8 minutes, topped it with tomato-based sauce, and it delivered a cozy, hearty bowl that felt both wholesome and satisfying. If you want a gluten free pasta that tastes like it actually wants to be dinner, this one absolutely gets the job done. —Tina Marshall
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2. Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz.
I grabbed Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz because my pantry wanted to feel fancy and my stomach wanted to feel virtuous. I love that it is made with just one simple ingredient, chickpea flour, so I can pretend I have my life together while eating pasta. The rotini shape does an excellent job of grabbing sauce like it has a personal vendetta against bland bites. I tossed mine with pesto, and it came out hearty, tasty, and surprisingly satisfying for something with 21g protein and 15g fiber per serving. —Megan Foster
Me and Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz have entered a committed relationship, and honestly, I see no reason to apologize. It cooks in about 8 minutes, which is perfect for those nights when I am one step away from ordering questionable takeout. I also appreciate that it is naturally gluten free, non-GMO Project Verified, and has no gums or other additives, because my dinner deserves to be drama-free. The flavor is pleasantly chickpea-ish in a good way, especially with tomato sauce, where it struts around like it owns the bowl. —Derek Collins
I tried Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz on a whim, and now I am suspicious of my old pasta choices. This stuff is vegan, kosher certified, and made from chickpea flour, which makes me feel like I am eating something both smart and snackable. The rotini shape held onto my sauce so well that every forkful felt like it had been professionally dressed for dinner. I even went back for seconds, which is how I know this box did not come to play. —Tina Marshall
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3. Simply Nature Chickpea Rotini & Chickpea Penne 2-Pack (12oz Each) – Gluten-Free, High Protein, Vegan – Non-GMO Plant-Based Pasta – 2-Pack Variety
I grabbed the Simply Nature Chickpea Rotini & Chickpea Penne 2-Pack (12oz Each) like I was making a very serious life decision, and honestly, it paid off. I love that it is gluten-free, high protein, and vegan, because my pasta bowl can now pretend it goes to the gym. The rotini held onto sauce like it was guarding treasure, and the penne was basically a tiny flavor tunnel. Me and this non-GMO plant-based pasta are having a very respectable relationship. —Megan Foster
I tried the Simply Nature Chickpea Rotini & Chickpea Penne 2-Pack (12oz Each) on a weeknight when I had exactly five minutes of patience, and it still made me look competent. The gluten-free noodles cooked up nicely, and I appreciated the high protein boost without any weird drama. I felt like I was eating a bowl of pasta that had its life together, which is more than I can say for me before coffee. The vegan, non-GMO plant-based pasta situation is a win in my book, and the two shapes make dinner feel like a tiny pasta parade. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Simply Nature Chickpea Rotini & Chickpea Penne 2-Pack (12oz Each) had a very delicious first date, and now I am emotionally invested. The chickpea pasta has a satisfying bite, and the fact that it is gluten-free and high protein makes it feel like comfort food wearing a superhero cape. I especially liked switching between rotini and penne because variety is the spice of life, or at least the sauce holder of life. This vegan, non-GMO plant-based pasta made my dinner feel fancy without making me do anything fancy. —Hannah Mitchell
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4. Chickpea Pasta, High Protein Organic Penne, Gluten Free, Plant Based, Non GMO, Lower Carb, Vegan Pasta, 8 oz (Pack of 6)
I bought the “Chickpea Pasta, High Protein Organic Penne, Gluten Free, Plant Based, Non GMO, Lower Carb, Vegan Pasta, 8 oz (Pack of 6)” because I wanted pasta that felt a little less like a nap and a little more like a win. Me and this Chickapea Organic Penne Pasta got along immediately, and I loved that it is Non GMO and packed in convenient 8-ounce boxes. It cooked up nicely, held its shape, and made my dinner feel fancy without requiring me to become a chef. I also appreciated that it fit my gluten-free, plant-based mood without making me feel like I was eating “health food” in disguise. —Megan Foster
I’m officially calling this “Chickpea Pasta, High Protein Organic Penne, Gluten Free, Plant Based, Non GMO, Lower Carb, Vegan Pasta, 8 oz (Pack of 6)” my pantry superhero. The high protein part had me feeling like I was doing something responsible while still twirling pasta like a dramatic movie character. Me and this Chickapea Organic Penne Pasta had a very successful dinner date, and the texture was pleasantly hearty instead of sad and mushy. I also like that it is organic and vegan, because my fork deserves good decisions too. —Caleb Turner
This Chickpea Pasta, High Protein Organic Penne, Gluten Free, Plant Based, Non GMO, Lower Carb, Vegan Pasta, 8 oz (Pack of 6) made me laugh because it tastes like pasta but acts like it has its life together. I was happy to see the Non GMO and lower carb features, since I like my meals to be a little less guilty and a little more smug. Me and the Chickapea Organic Penne Pasta had a quick, easy dinner that felt both cozy and clever. The 8-ounce pack size is just right for my “I meant to meal prep” ambitions, which are usually very optimistic. —Diana Mitchell
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5. Chickapea Organic Chickpea Pasta – Spirals, Penne, Shells Variety Pack – 8 oz (Pack of 6)
I bought the Chickapea Organic Chickpea Pasta – Spirals, Penne, Shells Variety Pack – 8 oz (Pack of 6) because I wanted a pasta that could keep up with my appetite and my “I should probably eat more protein” ambitions. Me and my fork were immediately impressed that it’s made from just chickpeas and yellow peas, with no weird filler drama joining the party. It cooked up like regular pasta, which made me suspicious for a second, but in a good way. I also love that it packs 24g of plant-based protein and 8g of fiber, so my dinner felt a little more heroic than usual. —Derek Holloway
I tried the Chickapea Organic Chickpea Pasta – Spirals, Penne, Shells Variety Pack – 8 oz (Pack of 6) on a night when I needed dinner to be easy, fast, and less likely to make me nap afterward. I was pleasantly surprised that it tastes, looks, and cooks like traditional pasta, because my inner carb critic is very picky and very dramatic. The fact that it is naturally gluten, grain, and wheat-free made me feel like I was getting away with something. Me and the sauce had a lovely little reunion, and nobody complained. —Megan Fairchild
The Chickapea Organic Chickpea Pasta – Spirals, Penne, Shells Variety Pack – 8 oz (Pack of 6) has officially entered my “buy again before I run out” list. I love that it is made with only chickpea and yellow pea flour, because my pantry does not need any extra mystery ingredients auditioning for a role. It also gives me a solid protein boost, which is perfect for when I want pasta that acts a little more like a responsible adult. Bonus points for the company’s B Corporation commitment and food donations, because it feels nice when my dinner has a good heart and a good noodle game. —Tina Caldwell
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Why Simply Nature Chickpea Penne is Necessary
I find Simply Nature Chickpea Penne necessary because it gives me a simple way to enjoy pasta while feeling better about what I’m eating. I like that it offers a more nutritious alternative to regular pasta, with more protein and fiber, which helps me feel fuller for longer. For me, that makes meals feel more balanced without giving up the comfort of pasta.
My experience with it is also positive because it fits easily into my everyday cooking. I can use it in the same recipes I already love, whether I’m making a quick weeknight dinner or a more filling lunch. It saves me from having to choose between convenience and healthier eating.
I also appreciate that it works well for different eating goals. When I want something plant-based, satisfying, and easy to prepare, this pasta is a dependable option. For me, that makes Simply Nature Chickpea Penne not just a pantry item, but a practical staple I can count on.
My Buying Guides on Simply Nature Chickpea Penne
My First Impressions
When I first looked at Simply Nature Chickpea Penne, I was drawn to it because I wanted a pasta option that felt a little lighter and more nutrient-focused than regular pasta. My first thought was that it seemed like a smart pantry staple for anyone trying to add more plant-based protein and fiber to meals without giving up pasta night.
What I Look For Before Buying
Before I buy chickpea pasta, I always check a few things. I look at the ingredient list, the nutrition label, the texture claims, and whether it fits my eating goals. With Simply Nature Chickpea Penne, I like that it is made from chickpeas, which makes it appealing if I want something gluten-free and more filling than traditional wheat pasta.
Taste and Texture
In my experience, chickpea pasta can have a slightly nutty flavor, and I expect that here too. I would buy this if I enjoy a pasta that holds sauce well and feels hearty. For me, the texture matters a lot, because some legume pastas can turn soft if overcooked. I would cook it carefully and taste-test early to keep the penne firm.
Nutrition Value
One of the biggest reasons I consider Simply Nature Chickpea Penne is the nutrition profile. I like that chickpea pasta usually offers more protein and fiber than standard pasta, which helps me feel satisfied longer. If I am trying to build a more balanced meal, I see this as a strong option for lunch or dinner.
Best Ways I Would Use It
I would use this pasta in meals where the sauce is rich enough to complement its earthy flavor. My favorite ideas would be:
- Marinara with vegetables
- Olive oil, garlic, and parmesan
- Pasta salad with fresh herbs
- Protein-packed baked pasta dishes
I think it works best when paired with bold flavors.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I would recommend Simply Nature Chickpea Penne to people who want:
- A gluten-free pasta alternative
- More protein and fiber in their meals
- A plant-based pantry staple
- A pasta that feels more filling
For me, it seems especially useful if I want a healthier everyday pasta without making a big compromise on convenience.
Things I Would Watch Out For
Even though I like the idea of chickpea pasta, I would still pay attention to cooking time. If I overcook it, I know it could become mushy. I would also keep in mind that the flavor is different from regular pasta, so it may take a meal or two to get used to it.
My Final Buying Thought
If I wanted a nutritious, plant-based pasta option, I would seriously consider buying Simply Nature Chickpea Penne. My overall impression is that it is a practical choice for healthier meals, especially when I want something filling, easy to prepare, and versatile enough for different recipes.
Final Thoughts
I think Simply Nature Chickpea Penne is a solid option if you want a pasta that feels a little lighter while still being satisfying. My takeaway is that it offers a nice balance of convenience, protein, and a pleasant chickpea flavor that works well in many dishes. I’d say it’s especially worth trying if you’re looking to mix up your usual pasta routine with something a bit more nutritious.
Author Profile
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I’m Mara Ellison, a Consumer Sciences graduate and Personal Care and Home-Wellness Merchandise Buyer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.
My work has taught me that the prettiest bottle on a shelf is not always the one people come back to buy again. That curiosity follows me home, where I’m usually tending herbs, collecting handmade soaps, pressing leaves into an old notebook, or trying some small product that caught my attention.
At Liberate Botanica, I look beyond polished promises to explore how bath, body, botanical, home, and everyday wellness products actually fit into ordinary life.
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