Chickpea and Spinach Pasta with Pesto

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

A vibrant pasta dish combining chickpeas, spinach, and a zesty basil pesto for a healthy Mediterranean twist. This Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian recipe (gluten-free), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs whole wheat pasta, chickpeas, spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (use 1 tbsp salt per 4 cups water). Add 200g whole wheat pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Tip: Use the pasta water later to adjust sauce consistency.
  2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, drain and rinse 1 can chickpeas under cold water to remove excess sodium. Pat dry with a paper towel.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, add 2 cups spinach and gently massage with your hands for 30 seconds to release moisture, then set aside.
  4. Step 4: Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add 2 tbsp basil pesto, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and the drained chickpeas. Toss vigorously for 2-3 minutes until the pasta is evenly coated and the chickpeas are heated through. Tip: Add Parmesan off the heat to prevent clumping.
  5. Step 5: If the mixture seems dry, stir in 2-3 tbsp reserved pasta water until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the pasta evenly. Add the massaged spinach and toss for 1-2 minutes until wilted and fully incorporated.
  6. Step 6: Transfer to serving plates, top with additional Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately. Tip: For extra flavor, drizzle with a small amount of olive oil before serving.

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