20 Minute Spicy Garlic Spinach Pasta with Chickpeas
User Reviews
5
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
20 Minute Spicy Garlic Spinach Pasta with Chickpeas
Description
This dish starts with cooking ditalini pasta al dente according to package instructions. While the pasta cooks, olive oil and unsalted butter are warmed gently with minced garlic and red pepper flakes, releasing their aroma and mild heat into the sauce. Fresh baby spinach is added and stirred until it wilts, creating a tender green component.
Rinsed chickpeas join the skillet, contributing texture and protein to the dish. The cooked pasta is then combined with the sauce and a measured amount of Pecorino Romano cheese, which melts slightly to blend flavors and add a nutty, tangy contrast.
The balanced heat from red pepper flakes complements the garlic and enriches the spinach and chickpea mixture. The short, tubular pasta shape holds sauce well for consistent bites. This recipe serves as a light but satisfying meal that can be served immediately to retain the fresh spinach texture and cheese flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces ditalini pasta cooked al dente
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
- 4 garlic minced, cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes plus extra for sprinkling, crushed
- 12 ounces spinach fresh baby
- pinch salt
- pinch black pepper
- 1 chickpeas 14-ounce can, drained and rinsed
- 1/3 cup Pecorino Romano cheese plus extra for topping, freshly grated
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil to prepare the pasta. Cook it according to the directions on the pasta.
- While waiting on the pasta, heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add the olive oil and butter. Stir in the garlic cloves and the red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds or so, until the garlic is fragrant. Add in the spinach with a pinch of salt and pepper and stir, cooking until it wilts. Stir in the chickpeas.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and the 1/3 cup of cheese until combined. Serve immediately with extra red pepper flakes and grated cheese.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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