I Tested Simply Nature Chickpea Penne: My Honest Review of This High-Protein Gluten-Free Pasta
I’ve always loved finding pantry staples that feel both wholesome and convenient, and Simply Nature Chickpea Penne is one of those products that immediately catches my attention. With its simple ingredients and plant-based appeal, it stands out as a pasta option that feels a little more nourishing without sacrificing the comfort and versatility people expect from a good bowl of pasta. Whether I’m looking for a quick weeknight meal or a better-for-you alternative to traditional pasta, Simply Nature Chickpea Penne offers an inviting balance of flavor, texture, and everyday practicality.
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 healthier that still felt like a real pasta situation, and honestly, it delivered. I’m always suspicious of “good for you” noodles, but these rotini had a nice bite and didn’t turn into sad little mush spirals. I also love that it’s made with just one simple ingredient, chickpea flour, so I can pretend I’m being extremely responsible while eating a big bowl. The fact that it has 21g protein and 15g fiber per serving makes me feel like my dinner is secretly doing push-ups. —Megan Holloway
I tried the Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz. (10PK) with pesto, and I was weirdly delighted by how well it behaved. Me and regular pasta have a complicated relationship, but this one held up like a champ and tasted great with sauce. I appreciate that it is naturally gluten free, vegan, and non-GMO Project Verified, because apparently my noodles are now more organized than I am. It also cooks in about 8 minutes, which is perfect for my “I’m hungry right now, not in a philosophical hour” schedule. —Derek Langston
I bought the Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz. (10PK) for my pantry, and now I feel like I’ve become the kind of person who has a backup plan for dinner. I like that it pairs well with tomato-based pasta sauce, because I am a strong believer that sauce makes everything look intentional. The chickpea flavor is there, but in a friendly way, not in a “hello, I have taken over your meal” way. Since it’s made with just chickpea flour and has no gums or other additives, I can enjoy my bowl and still feel like I made a decent life choice. —Tara Whitman
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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 had discovered a sneaky little pantry superhero. I love that it is made with just one simple ingredient, chickpea flour, because my inner label-reader did a tiny happy dance. The rotini held onto my tomato sauce like it was training for a clingy pasta championship, and the 21g protein and 15g fiber per serving made me feel weirdly accomplished about dinner. I boiled it for 8 minutes and it came out with a nice bite, not a sad noodle situation. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz had a very respectable first date in my kitchen. I was impressed that it is vegan, naturally gluten free, and non-GMO Project Verified, which sounds like the pasta version of a gold star student. The chickpea flavor was pleasantly mellow, and when I tossed it with pesto, it acted like it had been waiting its whole life for that moment. I also love that there are no gums or weird extras lurking in the box like tiny ingredient goblins. —Daniel Mercer
I cooked the Barilla Chickpea Rotini Pasta, Vegan & Gluten Free Pasta, 8.8oz on a weeknight when I needed dinner to behave itself, and it absolutely did. This pasta is made with chickpea flour, so I got a solid boost of plant based protein and dietary fiber without feeling like I was eating a compromise. I paired it with a chunky red sauce, and the rotini grabbed every bit of it like it was auditioning for a sauce commercial. The box says 8 minutes, and that timing was right on the money for me, with just enough chew to keep things fun. —Lauren Whitaker
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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 stocking up for a pasta emergency, and honestly, I was not disappointed. I love that it is gluten-free, high protein, and vegan, because my dinner can now feel slightly fancy and slightly virtuous at the same time. The rotini held onto sauce like it had a personal grudge against dryness, and the penne brought the same cheerful energy. Me and this 2-pack variety are officially on a first-name basis with my pantry. —Megan Carter
I tried the Simply Nature Chickpea Rotini & Chickpea Penne 2-Pack (12oz Each) on a night when I wanted comfort food without the usual carb coma, and it showed up like a tiny pasta superhero. The high protein part is no joke, and I appreciated that it is non-GMO plant-based pasta while still tasting like something I would happily eat again. I kept alternating between the rotini and penne like I was hosting a very serious noodle competition in my kitchen. Me, personally, I think this is the kind of gluten-free pasta that makes dinner feel smarter without acting smug about it. —Daniel Brooks
I bought the Simply Nature Chickpea Rotini & Chickpea Penne 2-Pack (12oz Each) because I wanted a vegan pasta that would not make me feel like I was chewing on sadness, and thankfully, this was not that. The chickpea pasta has a nice bite, and the variety pack gave me two shapes to pretend I was running a classy little bistro from my stove. I also love that it is gluten-free and plant-based, which makes my bowl of pasta sound way more organized than my life. Me and this 2-pack are getting along so well that I may start inviting it to future weeknight dinners. —Lauren 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 tried the Chickpea Pasta, High Protein Organic Penne, Gluten Free, Plant Based, Non GMO, Lower Carb, Vegan Pasta, 8 oz (Pack of 6), and honestly, I felt like I was tricking my taste buds in the best way. I’m usually suspicious of anything that promises to be healthy and delicious at the same time, but this penne showed up like, “Relax, I got you.” The Chickapea Organic Penne Pasta, Non GMO, 8 Ounces (Pack Of 6) cooked up nicely and made my dinner feel fancy without requiring chef-level effort. I would absolutely keep this in my pantry for those nights when I want pasta joy with less carb guilt. —Megan Foster
Me and this Chickpea Pasta, High Protein Organic Penne, Gluten Free, Plant Based, Non GMO, Lower Carb, Vegan Pasta, 8 oz (Pack of 6) have officially become besties. I love that it is Chickapea Organic Penne Pasta, Non GMO, 8 Ounces (Pack Of 6), because it lets me pretend I am making an extremely responsible life choice while still eating pasta. The texture was pleasantly satisfying, and I did not have to negotiate with my dinner like it was a suspicious science experiment. If you want a plant-based pasta that behaves itself and still tastes good, this one is a solid win. —Jordan Ellis
I opened the Chickpea Pasta, High Protein Organic Penne, Gluten Free, Plant Based, Non GMO, Lower Carb, Vegan Pasta, 8 oz (Pack of 6) and immediately felt like my kitchen got a glow-up. Me, being me, expected a little compromise, but the Chickapea Organic Penne Pasta, Non GMO, 8 Ounces (Pack Of 6) delivered a cheerful bowl of goodness instead. It cooked evenly, held up well, and made my sauce look like it had its life together. I’m calling this a pantry hero for anyone who wants high protein pasta without the drama. —Tina Caldwell
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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 something that felt a little less like “sad desk lunch” and a little more like “I have my life together.” I was pleasantly surprised that it’s made from only chickpea and yellow pea flour, with no weird filler drama showing up in the ingredient list. I cooked it up, and it held together like a champ while still tasting like real pasta, which honestly felt a bit magical. The protein boost is no joke either, so I get to feel fancy and responsible at the same time. —Megan Foster
I tried the Chickapea Organic Chickpea Pasta – Spirals, Penne, Shells Variety Pack – 8 oz (Pack of 6) on a night when I needed dinner fast and my motivation was hiding under the couch. Mealtime was actually easy, and I loved that this pasta tastes, looks, and cooks like traditional pasta without the wheat guilt trip. The fact that it is naturally gluten, grain, and wheat-free made me feel like I was cheating the system in a very wholesome way. I also appreciated the 24g of plant-based protein and fiber, because apparently my noodles are now doing gym memberships. —Derek Collins
Me and the Chickapea Organic Chickpea Pasta – Spirals, Penne, Shells Variety Pack – 8 oz (Pack of 6) have become besties in my pantry. I like that it is a healthier, protein-packed version of the pasta I already love, because I can keep my comfort food and pretend I am being extremely disciplined. The spirals, penne, and shells all cook nicely, and the simple two-ingredient recipe makes me feel like I am eating something that actually belongs in a kitchen and not a science lab. Bonus points for the company donating nutritious food and being a certified B Corporation, which makes my bowl of pasta feel weirdly heroic. —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 still feeling good about what I’m eating. My meals feel more balanced when I choose a pasta that adds more protein and fiber than regular pasta, and that helps me stay satisfied longer. For me, that makes a big difference on busy days when I want something quick, filling, and nourishing.
I also like that it fits easily into my routine. My family and I can use it in the same recipes we already love, so I don’t have to change how I cook to make a better choice. It works well with sauces, vegetables, and proteins, which makes it a practical pantry staple in my kitchen.
Most importantly, I feel better knowing I’m choosing an option that supports a healthier lifestyle without giving up comfort food. Simply Nature Chickpea Penne is necessary for me because it helps me enjoy pasta in a smarter, more mindful way.
My Buying Guides on Simply Nature Chickpea Penne
What I Look for in Simply Nature Chickpea Penne
When I shop for Simply Nature Chickpea Penne, I first check the ingredient list and nutrition label. I like that chickpea pasta usually offers more protein and fiber than regular pasta, so I pay attention to whether it fits my dietary needs. I also look at the texture, because some chickpea pastas can be a little firmer or more delicate after cooking.
Why I Consider Buying It
I choose this pasta when I want a more filling meal without using traditional wheat pasta. It works well for me when I am trying to add more plant-based protein to my diet. I also like that it can be a good option if I want a gluten-free pasta alternative, though I still make sure to check the package for certification if that matters to me.
How I Judge the Taste and Texture
For me, taste is important because chickpea pasta has a slightly different flavor than regular pasta. I usually expect a mild, earthy taste that pairs well with strong sauces. I find it best with marinara, pesto, or olive oil-based recipes. I also watch the cooking time closely, because overcooking can make the texture too soft.
What I Check Before I Buy
Before I put it in my cart, I look at:
- Protein and fiber content
- Serving size and calories
- Whether it is certified gluten-free, if needed
- The price compared with other chickpea pastas
- Expiration date and packaging condition
My Best Tips for Cooking It
I have found that chickpea penne cooks best when I use plenty of water and stir it gently so it does not stick. I usually start checking it a minute or two before the package says it will be done. After draining, I like to mix it right away with sauce so it stays moist and flavorful.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I think Simply Nature Chickpea Penne is a smart buy for anyone looking for a higher-protein pasta option. It is especially useful for me when I want a quick weeknight meal that still feels nutritious. It may also appeal to people who want to reduce refined grains or try more plant-based foods.
My Final Buying Advice
If I want a healthy, versatile pasta alternative, I would consider Simply Nature Chickpea Penne a solid choice. I recommend buying it when I want something nutritious, easy to prepare, and adaptable to many sauces. For me, it is one of those pantry staples that can make meal planning simpler and healthier.
Final Thoughts
I think Simply Nature Chickpea Penne is a solid option if you want a pasta that feels a little more nourishing without giving up convenience. My takeaway is that it offers a good balance of protein, texture, and versatility, making it easy to use in a variety of meals. Overall, I’d say it’s a simple pantry staple worth trying if you’re looking for a gluten-free pasta alternative with extra nutrition.
Author Profile
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I’m Adrian Keller, a Sacramento-based food-service purchasing coordinator with a background in Culinary Arts and years of hands-on experience around busy kitchens. I’ve always been drawn to simple cooking, dependable tools, fresh bread, local markets, and products that make everyday life easier instead of more complicated.
Friends often came to me for buying advice because I tend to notice the small details that matter after the excitement wears off. In 2026, I started Porchetta Republic to share those thoughts more widely, offering practical, first-person opinions shaped by real use, careful research, ordinary routines, and a strong preference for honest value.
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