Spaghetti Rigati Pasta Noodles With Chickpeas And Spinach

Spaghetti Rigati Pasta Noodles With Chickpeas And Spinach

Pasta (I made this using spaghetti rigati noodles, you can use your favorite pasta shells) with added spinach leaves, cooked chickpeas, marinara sauce and cheese makes an easy and delicious vegetarian lunch or dinner.

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Keyword pasta noodles, pasta with chickpeas, pasta with spinach, spaghetti rigati

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings

Calories 363kcal

Author PA

Ingredients

1 lbs spaghetti noodles I used spaghetti rigati, you can use other pasta shells too
2 cups cooked chickpeas
½ teaspoon salt
3 cups spinach leaves
2 cups marinara sauce (add more if needed)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend (may add little more)
2 teaspoons garlic powder (or use 2 to 3 cloves of freshly crushed garlic)
water as needed to cook the pasta
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves (optional)

Instructions

Heat enough water in a large pot or saucepan and when the water is boiling, add the pasta (I used spaghetti rigati here).
Add salt, cook in medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes or follow the instructions in the pasta package until the pasta is cooked and soft enough (do not make it too soft or overcooked).
Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water and save the pasta. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and gently mix in, so the pasta noodles won't stick to each other.
In a separate pan, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add the cooked chickpeas.
Add enough salt, garlic powder, stir well and saute for a minute.
Add washed spinach leaves also to the chickpeas, and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach begins to wilt. Also add the oregano powder and mix well, if you are using it. You may also add any other favorite spices that you wish to add to the pasta.
Stir the chickpeas and wilted spinach to mix well and add this mixture to the cooked spaghetti noodles (or any pasta you are using).
Gently mix everything until the mixture is evenly mixed with the pasta.
Add the marinara sauce and remaining one tablespoon of olive, gently mix in with the pasta to evenly coat.
Finally add the shredded cheese, gently mix in and serve hot for lunch or dinner!

Nutrition