Mediterranean Chickpea and Spinach Pasta with Pesto

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pasta dish combining chickpeas, spinach, and a zesty basil pesto for a healthy Mediterranean twist. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes blends whole wheat pasta, chickpeas, spinach into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

★ 4.0 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

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.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mediterranean Chickpea and Spinach Pasta with Pesto take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Mediterranean Chickpea and Spinach Pasta with Pesto?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Chickpea and Spinach Pasta with Pesto?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mediterranean Chickpea and Spinach Pasta with Pesto for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Mediterranean Chickpea and Spinach Pasta with Pesto gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes