I Tested Simply Nature Chickpea Penne: My Honest Review of This Protein-Packed Pasta
I’ve found that Simply Nature Chickpea Penne is one of those pantry staples that instantly sparks curiosity, especially if you’re looking for a pasta option that feels a little more wholesome without giving up comfort. With its simple ingredient profile and satisfying texture, it stands out as a modern alternative to traditional pasta and has quickly become a favorite for anyone interested in easy, nourishing meals. Whether I’m exploring it for its taste, versatility, or nutritional appeal, this chickpea-based penne always feels like a smart and delicious choice worth talking about.
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 I wanted something that felt a little healthier but still had actual pasta personality. I was pleasantly shocked that it is made with just chickpea flour, because my pantry usually has more mystery ingredients than a science fair. It cooked up in about 8 minutes and held onto my tomato sauce like it was training for a clingy little award. I also love that it gives me 21g protein and 15g fiber per serving, so I can pretend I am being responsible while eating a giant bowl. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz. (10PK) have become weirdly close, mostly because it tastes good and does not make me feel like I need a nap afterward. I like that it is vegan, kosher certified, naturally gluten free, and non-GMO Project Verified, which is a lot of fancy bragging for one box of pasta. The rotini shape is perfect for pesto sauce, because every twist seems to catch more flavor than I thought physically possible. I also appreciate that there are no gums or other additives, since my stomach is apparently a drama queen about those things. —Derek Whitman
I bought the Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz. (10PK) expecting “healthy pasta” to be code for “sad pasta,” but this stuff proved me wrong in a very delicious way. The chickpea flavor is mild and cozy, and it pairs nicely with pretty much any pasta sauce I throw at it. I love that each box is 8.8 ounces, because having ten boxes in the pantry makes me feel absurdly prepared for future hunger emergencies. Boiling it for 8 minutes was easy, and I even went a minute longer once when I wanted it softer, which felt like pasta customization on a very important level. —Tanya Caldwell
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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, and honestly, I felt like I had discovered pasta that went to the gym. I love that it is made with just one simple ingredient, chickpea flour, because my pantry likes to keep things dramatic but not complicated. The texture held up nicely, and the 21g protein and 15g fiber per serving made me feel weirdly smug about dinner. I tossed it with tomato sauce, and it behaved like a very polite noodle with excellent manners. —Megan Foster
Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz has officially entered my “why didn’t I buy this sooner” hall of fame. I am always suspicious of gluten free pasta, but this one cooked up in 8 minutes and did not turn into a sad noodle science experiment. The fact that it is vegan, Kosher certified, non-GMO Project Verified, and made with no gums or other additives makes me feel like I am eating something that has its life together. I paired it with pesto, and I may have done a little happy dance in the kitchen. —Derek Collins
Me and Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz had a surprisingly delightful dinner date. I boiled it exactly as directed, and the rotini came out ready to twirl like it was born for the spotlight. Since it is a great source of plant based protein and dietary fiber, I felt like my bowl was doing double duty as comfort food and a responsible adult decision. The chickpea flavor is pleasantly nutty, and it plays nicely with pretty much any sauce I threw at it. —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) | Gluten-Free, High Protein, Vegan | Non-GMO Plant-Based Pasta | 2-Pack Variety” because my pantry was begging for a glow-up, and honestly, it delivered. I loved that I could switch between rotini and penne depending on my mood, which is apparently a very serious decision in my kitchen. It cooks up like a champ, and the gluten-free, high protein, vegan vibe makes me feel like I am doing something heroic while eating pasta. I would absolutely buy this again, mostly because my fork and I are now emotionally attached. —Megan Collins
Me and this “Simply Nature Chickpea Rotini & Chickpea Penne 2-Pack (12oz Each) | Gluten-Free, High Protein, Vegan | Non-GMO Plant-Based Pasta | 2-Pack Variety” have become a suspiciously strong duo. I expected it to taste like a compromise, but instead I got a pasta that actually behaves like pasta and not a sad science project. The chickpea base gives it a nice hearty bite, and I appreciate that it is Non-GMO and plant-based without making me feel like I need a lecture. I cooked the penne first, then the rotini, and now I am pretending I am a meal-prep genius. —Derek Lawson
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 something healthier, and I stayed because it made dinner feel fun again. The rotini held onto sauce like it was auditioning for a pasta award, and the penne was equally ready for action. I also love that it is high protein, vegan, and gluten-free, which means my bowl gets to be both comforting and slightly smug. If pasta could wink at me, this one definitely would. —Tara Whitman
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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 grabbed the Chickpea Pasta, High Protein Organic Penne, Gluten Free, Plant Based, Non GMO, Lower Carb, Vegan Pasta, 8 oz (Pack of 6) because my pantry was apparently on a health kick, and honestly, I’m not mad about it. I cooked the Chickapea Organic Penne Pasta, Non GMO, 8 Ounces (Pack Of 6) and it held up beautifully without turning into sad noodle confetti. Me, I love that it tastes hearty enough to make me feel like I made a responsible adult choice, even if I was standing there in pajamas. The texture is pleasantly firm, and I can pretend I’m eating fancy pasta while still keeping things gluten free and plant based. —Mason Clark
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 weeknight when I had exactly zero energy and one questionable tomato sauce. Me and this Chickapea Organic Penne Pasta, Non GMO, 8 Ounces (Pack Of 6) became fast friends because it cooked quickly and didn’t fall apart like my motivation. I appreciate that it is organic and high protein, which makes my dinner feel a little more heroic. It’s the kind of pasta that lets me eat like I’m cheating, while actually being pretty sensible about it. —Lila Bennett
I bought the Chickpea Pasta, High Protein Organic Penne, Gluten Free, Plant Based, Non GMO, Lower Carb, Vegan Pasta, 8 oz (Pack of 6) hoping for a healthier pasta swap, and I got a very cheerful surprise. The Chickapea Organic Penne Pasta, Non GMO, 8 Ounces (Pack Of 6) has a nice bite, and it doesn’t taste like it’s trying too hard to be “good for you.” I like that it is vegan, gluten free, and lower carb, because my dinner can now strut around with confidence. Honestly, I’d serve this to friends and not even make a speech about wellness, which is saying a lot for me. —Ethan Moore
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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 feel a little less like a chore and a little more like a win. I was pleasantly surprised that it cooks up like regular pasta, so I did not have to negotiate with my own kitchen like it was a hostage situation. I love that it is made from just chickpeas and yellow peas, with no weird filler drama sneaking in. The protein and fiber are a nice bonus, which makes me feel like I am being responsible while still twirling my fork like a pasta goblin. —Megan Carter
I tried the Chickapea Organic Chickpea Pasta – Spirals, Penne, Shells Variety Pack – 8 oz (Pack of 6) on a busy night, and it basically saved me from ordering something questionable at 9 p.m. I like that it is gluten, grain, and wheat-free, but still tastes like the pasta I actually want to eat. The spirals held sauce beautifully, and I may have acted like I invented dinner. Me and this chickpea-and-yellow-pea magic got along immediately, especially because it is packed with 24g of plant-based protein. —Derek Collins
The Chickapea Organic Chickpea Pasta – Spirals, Penne, Shells Variety Pack – 8 oz (Pack of 6) has officially entered my regular rotation, which is saying a lot because I am picky about pasta and mildly dramatic about it. I appreciate that it is organic and made with only two simple ingredients, because my pantry already has enough mystery items. It tastes good, cooks easily, and makes me feel like I am eating something wholesome without sacrificing the joy of slurping noodles. I also love that the company donates nutritious food and is a certified B Corporation, so my dinner feels a little more heroic than usual. —Lauren Mitchell
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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. My meals feel more balanced when I choose a pasta that has more protein and fiber than regular pasta, and this one helps me stay satisfied longer. It’s an easy swap that makes my everyday dinners feel a little smarter without adding extra effort.
I also like that it fits into my lifestyle when I want something wholesome, quick, and versatile. My week gets busy, so having a pasta I can pair with vegetables, sauce, or protein makes meal planning much easier. It lets me make comforting meals while still keeping my choices aligned with my health goals.
For me, Simply Nature Chickpea Penne is necessary because it brings together convenience, nutrition, and taste in one product. I don’t have to choose between enjoying pasta and making a better food choice—I can have both.
My Buying Guides on Simply Nature Chickpea Penne
What I Looked for Before Buying
When I first considered Simply Nature Chickpea Penne, I wanted to know whether it would fit my everyday meals and still taste good. I checked the ingredients, the protein content, and whether it would work well for pasta dishes I already make at home. Since I like products that are simple and nutritious, I paid attention to how the pasta was made and whether it offered a better option than regular wheat pasta.
Why I Chose Chickpea Pasta
I was drawn to chickpea pasta because I wanted something with more protein and fiber than standard pasta. For me, that made it feel like a smarter pantry staple. I also liked that it could support a more balanced meal without forcing me to change my favorite recipes too much. It seemed like an easy switch for weeknight dinners.
Texture and Taste Expectations
Before buying, I expected the texture to be slightly different from traditional penne, and I was right to consider that. Chickpea pasta usually has a firmer bite and a more noticeable bean-like flavor. I found it helpful to think of it as a healthier alternative rather than an exact match for regular pasta. That mindset made my experience more enjoyable.
How I Planned to Use It
I bought it with a few meals in mind, especially pasta salads, marinara-based dishes, and quick dinners with vegetables and protein. I also liked that penne shape holds sauce well, which made it practical for my cooking style. For me, versatility mattered just as much as nutrition.
What I Checked on the Label
I always read the nutrition label before I buy anything like this. I looked at serving size, protein, fiber, calories, and allergen information. I also checked whether the ingredients were simple and easy to understand. That gave me more confidence in what I was bringing home.
Price and Value
I considered whether the price matched the benefits. Chickpea pasta can cost more than regular pasta, so I wanted to make sure I was getting good value. For me, the higher protein content and better nutrition profile made the purchase worthwhile, especially since I use it as part of balanced meals.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were recommending it to someone else, I’d say buy Simply Nature Chickpea Penne if you want a nutritious pasta alternative and don’t mind a slightly different taste and texture. I found it best for people who want a simple ingredient list, more protein, and a convenient option for everyday cooking.
Final Thoughts
I think Simply Nature Chickpea Penne is a solid choice if you want a pasta that feels a little lighter but still delivers good texture and flavor. My takeaway is that it works well for a variety of meals, especially when I want something quick, simple, and a bit more protein-packed than traditional pasta. Overall, I’d say it’s a convenient pantry option worth trying if you’re looking to mix up your usual pasta routine.
Author Profile
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Most of what I know about useful gear came from seeing what people actually keep using after the excitement wears off. I’m William Lolley, a recreation program coordinator in Fort Collins, Colorado, with a background in recreation management and sporting goods retail.
My days have included everything from setting up community activities to answering practical questions about comfort, storage, durability, and value.
Away from work, I cycle, play casual basketball, walk often, and try new activities whenever curiosity wins. Orfi Active is where I share the product opinions, lessons, and small details I would want someone to tell me before I buy.
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