Description
Chickpea and Spinach Pasta is a wholesome dish that strikes the perfect balance between nutrition and flavor. This quick-to-make recipe combines hearty chickpeas and vibrant spinach in a creamy tomato sauce, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep sessions. The rich flavors of garlic, oregano, and crushed tomatoes meld beautifully to create a satisfying meal that even kids will love. Enjoy this versatile pasta dish as a main course or as a delightful side by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins.
Ingredients
- 1 pound short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white apple vinegar or vegetable broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or plant-based alternative)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in heavily salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1.5 cups of pasta water before draining.
- In a deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion for 5-7 minutes until translucent, then add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes for another minute.
- Deglaze the skillet with dry white apple vinegar, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer until reduced by half.
- Add chickpeas and crushed tomatoes; stir in sugar, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer on low for 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in spinach until wilted; combine with drained pasta and Parmesan cheese while gradually adding reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 8mg