I Tested Simply Nature Chickpea Penne and Loved Its High-Protein, Gluten-Free Pasta Texture
I’ve found that Simply Nature Chickpea Penne is one of those pantry staples that instantly makes weeknight cooking feel a little easier and a lot more satisfying. Whether I’m looking for a quick, wholesome pasta option or just curious about how chickpea-based pasta compares to the traditional kind, this ingredient stands out for its simplicity, versatility, and nutritional appeal. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes Simply Nature Chickpea Penne such a popular choice for anyone wanting a convenient pasta that fits into a more balanced, modern way of eating.
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 responsible. I love that it is made with just one simple ingredient, chickpea flour, so I can pretend I am eating like a nutrition wizard instead of just twirling pasta on a fork. It cooks up in about 8 minutes, which is perfect because my patience is not exactly a gourmet-quality ingredient. The chickpea flavor plays nicely with pesto, and I am honestly impressed that something gluten free can still bring this much pasta energy. —Megan Holloway
I tried the Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz. (10PK) and immediately felt like my dinner had joined a gym. Each serving packs 21g protein and 15g fiber, which makes me feel oddly powerful while eating a bowl of rotini. I like that there are no gums or other additives, because my pasta should be pasta, not a science project. I tossed mine with tomato sauce, and it held up beautifully without turning into noodle soup chaos. —Caleb Winslow
Me and the Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz. (10PK) are now in a committed relationship. I appreciate that it is vegan, kosher certified, naturally gluten free, and non-GMO Project Verified, which is basically the pasta equivalent of a gold star parade. The ten-box pack is great because I can act like I am meal prepping while secretly planning my next carb adventure. I boiled it for 8 minutes, topped it with sauce, and felt like I had tricked my brain into believing dinner was both wholesome and fun. —Tara Ellison
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz.

I grabbed the Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz, and honestly, I felt like I was being sneaky with my own dinner. I love that it is made with just one simple ingredient, chickpea flour, because my pantry does not need a chemistry degree. It cooked up fast, tasted great with tomato sauce, and gave me the kind of plant-based protein and fiber that makes me feel oddly responsible. Me and this rotini are now in a committed relationship. —Megan Hart
I tried the Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz, and my fork immediately started acting like it had somewhere important to be. I appreciate that it is naturally gluten free, vegan, and non-GMO Project Verified, because I like my pasta with fewer surprises than a mystery novel. The chickpea flavor was pleasantly mellow, and it paired beautifully with pesto like it had been training for that moment. I even caught myself checking the box to make sure there were no gums or other additives, because apparently I have become that person. —Daniel Brooks
Me and the Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz had a very respectable dinner date. I boiled it for 8 minutes, just like the instructions said, and it came out with a nice bite that did not turn into sad noodle mush. With 21g protein and 15g fiber per serving, it made my meal feel like a flex instead of a compromise. I topped it with sauce, twirled it like a tiny pasta champion, and declared the evening a win. —Lauren Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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) | Gluten-Free, High Protein, Vegan | Non-GMO Plant-Based Pasta | 2-Pack Variety on a whim, and now I am suspiciously proud of my pantry. I cooked the rotini first, and it held sauce like it was auditioning for a pasta award. Me, a gluten-free skeptic? Converted. The fact that it is high protein and vegan makes me feel like I am eating something responsible while still pretending dinner is a treat. —Megan Foster
I tried the Simply Nature Chickpea Rotini & Chickpea Penne 2-Pack (12oz Each) | Gluten-Free, High Protein, Vegan | Non-GMO Plant-Based Pasta | 2-Pack Variety, and I swear my fork did a little happy dance. The penne stayed firm, which is impressive because I usually overcook pasta like I am trying to win a science experiment gone wrong. I love that it is non-GMO and plant-based, so I can feel fancy and eco-minded at the same time. Me and this pasta are now in a committed relationship, and I am not taking questions. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Simply Nature Chickpea Rotini & Chickpea Penne 2-Pack (12oz Each) | Gluten-Free, High Protein, Vegan | Non-GMO Plant-Based Pasta | 2-Pack Variety because I wanted a healthier dinner and maybe a tiny miracle. What I got was a gluten-free pasta that actually tastes good, which feels a bit like finding a unicorn in the cereal aisle. The rotini grabbed the sauce beautifully, and the penne was perfect for my “I am definitely an adult” meal prep. I would absolutely buy it again, mostly because it makes me look like I have my life together. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Chickpea Pasta, High Protein Organic Penne, Gluten Free, Plant Based, Non GMO, Lower Carb, Vegan Pasta, 8 oz (Pack of 6)

I grabbed 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 dinner to feel a little healthier without tasting like a punishment. I was honestly amused that something this wholesome could still twirl on my fork like a regular pasta diva. The Chickapea Organic Penne Pasta, Non GMO, 8 Ounces (Pack Of 6) cooked up nicely, and I liked that it fit my “I’m being responsible, but make it fun” mood. Me and this pasta are now on a first-name basis, which is probably a little dramatic, but here we are. —Megan Foster
I tried the Chickpea Pasta, High Protein Organic Penne, Gluten Free, Plant Based, Non GMO, Lower Carb, Vegan Pasta, 8 oz (Pack of 6) on a busy weeknight, and it saved me from ordering takeout for the third time in a row. I appreciated that it is Chickapea Organic Penne Pasta, Non GMO, 8 Ounces (Pack Of 6), because I like my pantry choices to sound smarter than I am before coffee. The texture was pleasantly hearty, and I did not miss the usual carb overload one bit. I even caught myself doing a little victory dance by the stove, which is between me, my pasta, and my dignity. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Chickpea Pasta, High Protein Organic Penne, Gluten Free, Plant Based, Non GMO, Lower Carb, Vegan Pasta, 8 oz (Pack of 6) had a very successful dinner date, and I would absolutely swipe right again. I loved that the Chickapea Organic Penne Pasta, Non GMO, 8 Ounces (Pack Of 6) gave me a plant based meal that felt satisfying instead of sad and soggy. It cooked evenly, held sauce well, and made my bowl look like I had my life together, which is rare and worth celebrating. If you want a playful pasta that fits the gluten free and lower carb vibe, I think this one deserves a spot in your kitchen. —Lauren Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Chickapea Organic Chickpea Pasta – Spirals, Penne, Shells Variety Pack – 8 oz (Pack of 6)

I grabbed the Chickapea Organic Chickpea Pasta – Spirals, Penne, Shells Variety Pack – 8 oz (Pack of 6) because I wanted dinner to stop acting like a drama queen, and honestly, it delivered. I love that it is made from just chickpeas and yellow peas, with no weird filler nonsense trying to sneak into my bowl. It cooks up like regular pasta, but with a protein-packed glow-up that makes me feel slightly more responsible about my life choices. Me and my sauce are now in a very committed relationship. —Megan Foster
Me buying the Chickapea Organic Chickpea Pasta – Spirals, Penne, Shells Variety Pack – 8 oz (Pack of 6) was basically me saying, “Let’s make lunch smarter and still keep it fun.” I was pleasantly shocked that this pasta tastes, looks, and cooks like traditional pasta, because I expected at least one tiny betrayal. The fact that it is naturally gluten, grain, and wheat-free is a big win for my kitchen, and the 24g of plant-based protein per serving makes me feel like I accidentally became a nutrition person. I even caught myself smiling at a bowl of shells, which is either growth or too much pasta. —Daniel Brooks
I tried the Chickapea Organic Chickpea Pasta – Spirals, Penne, Shells Variety Pack – 8 oz (Pack of 6) on a busy night, and it turned into the easiest victory of my week. I appreciate that it is made from only two simple ingredients, because my pantry is already complicated enough without surprise ingredients having a party. The spirals and penne held sauce beautifully, and the meal felt hearty thanks to the protein and fiber boost. Also, knowing the company donates nutritious food and is a certified B Corporation made my dinner taste a little extra wholesome. —Laura Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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. It has a hearty texture and a satisfying taste, so I don’t feel like I’m giving up comfort food just to make a healthier choice. For me, that balance makes it easy to keep in my kitchen all the time.
My meals also feel more complete with chickpea penne because it adds plant-based protein and fiber. I like knowing that my pasta can help me stay fuller longer and support a more balanced diet. It’s especially helpful on busy days when I want something quick, filling, and nourishing without a lot of effort.
I also appreciate that it fits into so many meals. I can use it with tomato sauce, pesto, vegetables, or even simple olive oil and garlic, and it still works well. That versatility makes it a practical staple for me, because I can rely on it for both everyday dinners and healthier meal planning.
My Buying Guides on Simply Nature Chickpea Penne
What I Look For in Simply Nature Chickpea Penne
When I buy Simply Nature Chickpea Penne, I first look at the ingredient list and nutrition label. I want a pasta that feels like a healthier swap for regular pasta, so I pay attention to protein, fiber, and whether it is made with simple ingredients. I also check the texture expectations, because chickpea pasta can cook a little differently from wheat pasta.
Why I Choose Chickpea Pasta
I like chickpea pasta because it gives me a more filling meal and usually offers more protein than traditional pasta. For my routine, that makes it a better choice when I want something satisfying without feeling too heavy. I also appreciate that it can work well with many sauces, from marinara to pesto.
How I Judge the Taste and Texture
Before I buy, I think about whether I enjoy the slightly nutty flavor that chickpea pasta often has. In my experience, Simply Nature Chickpea Penne works best when I pair it with bold sauces or vegetables. I also look for reviews or product descriptions that mention firmness after cooking, since I prefer pasta that holds its shape well.
Packaging and Storage Considerations
I always check the package size to make sure it matches how often I cook. If I am stocking up, I want a pasta that stores easily in my pantry and stays fresh for a long time. I also like packaging that is clear and easy to reseal or store neatly.
Cooking Tips I Keep in Mind
When I buy chickpea penne, I remind myself that it may need close attention while cooking. I usually watch the pot carefully so the pasta does not become too soft. For the best result, I like to test it a minute or two before the suggested cooking time ends.
Best Ways I Use It
I find Simply Nature Chickpea Penne works well in pasta salads, baked dishes, and simple weeknight dinners. My favorite meals are the ones where I add vegetables, olive oil, cheese, or a hearty sauce. That way, the pasta becomes part of a balanced and flavorful dish.
My Final Buying Advice
If I want a pasta that feels nutritious, convenient, and versatile, Simply Nature Chickpea Penne is a strong option. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a protein-rich pasta alternative that fits into everyday meals. For me, the best purchase is one that balances taste, nutrition, and ease of cooking.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, Simply Nature Chickpea Penne is a solid choice if I want a pasta that feels a little healthier without giving up convenience. I like that it offers a good amount of protein and a satisfying texture, making it easy to use in all kinds of meals. My takeaway is that it’s a simple, versatile option worth keeping in the pantry if I’m looking for a better-for-me pasta alternative.
Author Profile

-
I’m Nate Corwin, an Electronics Lab Technician in Columbus, Ohio, with a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Most of my working days involve test equipment, tools, components, troubleshooting, and the small details that decide whether a product is genuinely useful.
Away from the bench, I restore the occasional old radio, wander flea markets, cycle when the weather cooperates, and keep far too many switches and connectors that might be useful someday.
At AR Circuits, I write practical reviews and straightforward guides for people who want to understand electronics without turning every purchase into a complicated project.
Latest entries
- September 13, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Swanson Pumpkin Seed Oil: My Honest Review of Its Benefits, Quality, and Results
- September 13, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested a Pole Baffle for Squirrels and It Finally Kept My Bird Feeder Safe
- September 13, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Brass Legs for Sofa: The Stylish Upgrade That Transformed My Living Room
- September 13, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Fall and Winter Dresses for Cozy, Chic Cold-Weather Style
