February 24, 2008

Pasta With Spinach and Chickpeas

The combination of nutty chickpeas and rich, earthy spinach is one of my favorites!

I made this up last week when we were in dire need of a trip to the grocery store. Everything was on hand, either in the pantry, fridge or freezer.
It was quick and easy and super satisfying.



Pasta With Spinach and Chickpeas
serves 4

3 teaspoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 - 15 1/2-ounce can chick peas, rinsed and drained
1 - 10-ounce package frozen leaf spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
12 ounces short, fat pasta
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Over medium heat, heat 1 teaspoon of the oil in heavy, large nonstick skillet.
Add onion and garlic and sauté until soft, about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions.
Pour chicken broth over the onions and garlic and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
Add the garbanzo beans and spinach and boil another minute.
Transfer spinach/onion mixture to large bowl and add drained pasta.
Drizzle with remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil, freshly ground black pepper and the grated Parmesan and toss well.
Serve. Pin It

9 comments:

Betty Carlson said...

This looks great: I never think about mixing pasta with beans or chickpeas but I know it's supposed to make for "complete protein" or some such...

Jennifer said...

betty
I love the combination and often make soups with chickpeas and little noodles.
I think it is a complete protein.

deedee said...

My girls are convinced that those are the best tasting shapes of pasta.

Madame K said...

You must be after my foodie heart!
There is nothing better than chickpeas combined with pasta, my two favorite ingredients ever.

winedeb said...

Some of the best meals come out of the fridge and pantry when it is time to do shopping! That is a healthy combination! Yum!

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog and I love this idea! I think I just found a use for the chickpeas in the back of my pantry.

I am also looking forward to coming back to read more about your life in France- it is our dream to some day buy a small place in Paris.

Jennifer said...

poppy fields,
Isn't that funny! I prefer certain shapes too even though I know they all taste the same.

karen,
I must be!
Chickpeas and pasta are the perfect combo!
thanks for the nice comment.

winedeb,
so true...great inspiration can be found when I don't want to make a trip to the store! :)

beth,
Thanks for stopping by to say hi. Welcome! I'm sure you'll like the dish if you end up making it with that can of chickpeas!
I hope you get your place in Paris and look forward to hearing more from you.

Unknown said...

Oh that looks good. I will attempt it once the flu goes away and I feel like eating again.

Jennifer said...

mimi,
I had the flu earlier this winter, too. It is the worst!
Feel better soon!