Pasta with Spinach Chickpeas and Bacon
Savor the perfect medley of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients with this irresistible Pasta with Spinach, Chickpeas, and Bacon recipe. This quick and easy dish combines tender pasta, crispy bacon, and nutrient-packed spinach for a hearty base, while garlic, red pepper flakes, and a touch of Parmesan add layers of richness and spice. Protein-rich chickpeas lend both substance and texture, making this meal as satisfying as it is flavorful. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a comforting, elevated pasta experience that’s sure to become a family favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (penne or bowties)
- 6 slices Bacon
- 15 oz Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 5 cups Fresh spinach
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon slices until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and crumble it once it cools slightly. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
In the same skillet, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
Add the chickpeas to the skillet and season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are heated through.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the spinach is wilted.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to combine and coat the pasta in the garlic-infused oil.
Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the crumbled bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Serve the pasta warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
469 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.2 g | 28% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.8 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 27 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 1151 mg | 50% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45.7 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.6 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.7 g | ||
| Protein | 21.9 g | 44% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 288 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 3.8 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 287 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
