Speedy Chickpea Spinach Pasta Power Bowl

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Stuck for dinner ideas? Craving something tasty without breaking the bank? This Speedy Chickpea & Spinach Pasta Power Bowl recipe is your answer.

Honestly, it's pure comfort food that sneaks in some veggies, too.

Brief Overview

This dish is inspired by simple Mediterranean flavors. It's super easy, ready in about 20 Min Dinner Recipes , and makes about 4 servings.

Think of it as a hug in a bowl.

Main Benefits

One of the best things? It is healthy recipes cheap . The spinach adds a good dose of iron and vitamins.

It's the perfect quick weeknight meals when you are short on time.

Craving a Bowl of Goodness?

This isn't your average pasta dish. It's more than just some budget pasta recipes , this is a flavour explosion that's ready in minutes.

You get creamy chickpeas, earthy spinach, and a bright hit of lemon. It is a simple dinner for 2 or easily doubled for a crowd.

Let's get started!

Why This Recipe Rocks

Apart from being a budget friendly winner. This recipe is quick, filling and full of goodness. It is easy chickpea recipes .

I mean seriously who doesn't love a cheap vegetarian meals that tastes this good? It is an affordable family dinners made from pantry staple dinners .

Okay, let's dive into what you'll need for this Speedy Chickpea & Spinach Pasta Power Bowl ! This is one of those quick low cost dinner ideas that's so easy, you'll want to make it every week! Honestly, it's a go-to when I'm short on time and need healthy recipes cheap .

It also makes a great simple dinner for 2 .

Let's Talk Ingredients

First things first, the stuff you'll actually be eating!

Main Ingredients

• Pasta: 1 pound (450g) of your fave shape. Penne and rotini work great. Whole wheat is my go to.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons .
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for a bit of kick).
• Chickpeas: 1 (15-ounce/425g) can , rinsed and drained.
• Spinach: 5 ounces (140g) , roughly chopped. Make sure it's fresh.
• Vegetable Broth: 1/4 cup (60ml) , or you can use the reserved pasta water .
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons . Freshly squeezed is best!
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (25g) , grated.

Look for bright green, perky spinach. It shouldn't be slimy or wilted before you even cook it! For the chickpeas, make sure they aren't mushy in the can.

We want them to hold their shape a bit. I love this easy chickpea recipes option.

Seasoning Notes

You know, sometimes it's the simple things!

This is where the magic happens. The red pepper flakes add a little zing. The garlic and lemon bring it all together.

And that salty, cheesy goodness! Yum. For a bit of extra flavour, a pinch of smoked paprika can be incredible.

This is one of those pantry staple dinners .

If you're not feeling the heat, skip the red pepper flakes! You could even use a dash of dried Italian herbs for a more mellow flavour.

Equipment Needed

Nothing fancy here, don't you worry!

• Large Pot: For cooking the pasta.
• Colander: For draining the pasta.
• Large Skillet or Pot: For making the sauce.

If you don't have a colander, a large bowl and a careful pour will work! Just be careful not to burn yourself.

Honestly, that happened to me last week and it wasn't fun. This really is a quick weeknight meals option.

This affordable family dinners is one that even the kids will love and is so quick to put together, you'll have time to spare.

Enjoy! This is what I call a simple and amazing 20 min dinner recipes .

Speedy Chickpea & Spinach Pasta Power Bowl

This pasta dish is seriously my go-to on busy weeknights! This vibrant bowl inspired by Mediterranean flavours is a budget friendly dinner that is ready in like 20 Min Dinner Recipes .

It's also perfect if you're after simple dinner for 2 or even affordable family dinners . Creamy chickpeas, spinach and a touch of lemon make it so good.

Honestly? It’s the kind of dish your nan would make.

Prep Like a Pro

Essential mise en place means getting everything ready. Chop your garlic and measure out your spices. This speeds things up loads later. Also, rinse and drain those chickpeas!

For time saving organization: Have all your ingredients close. Cooking becomes way easier. Safety first: No running with knives. You know? We all have those days.

step-by-step to Deliciousness

1. Boil salted water in a big pot and cook pasta. Al dente is key! Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before you drain it.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds .

3. Add chickpeas and spinach and cook until spinach wilts ( 3- 4 minutes ).

4. Pour in vegetable broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 1- 2 minutes . Stir in Parmesan cheese.

5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it to coat well. Use pasta water if it needs more sauce. This is where the magic happens.

6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy that healthy recipes cheap meal!

Pro Tips for Perfection

Spice it up! Add more red pepper flakes if you like the heat. A pinch of smoked paprika adds depth to this spinach pasta dinner .

If you mess it up, you could also use pre-made spices, like taco seasoning.

A common mistake? Overcooking the pasta! Al dente makes all the difference. For make-ahead magic, cook the pasta ahead and store it.

Just add it to the sauce when ready. Trust me . It makes the sauce stick better.

So, there you have it. A quick low cost dinner ideas that's both tasty and kind to your wallet. It uses pantry staple dinners and can be adapted to your tastes.

Give it a try and tell me what you think! I'm already planning my next version.

Recipe Notes: Making This Your Own

Listen up, foodies! We're diving deeper into this Speedy Chickpea & Spinach Pasta Power Bowl . Honestly, recipes are just a starting point, right? It's about making it your dish.

I have so many recipes of 20 Min Dinner Recipes for you! So, here are a few tips and tricks.

They can help you whip up the best quick low cost dinner ideas ever.

Ace the Plating, Ace the Taste

Plating can make or break a dish, right? For this pasta, think vibrant. Swirl it in a bowl. Top with extra Parmesan.

Maybe a lemon wedge. And, if you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of olive oil. Serve it with crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

For a perfect simple dinner for 2, light some candles!

Storing Like A Pro

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This pasta keeps well. Pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge.

It will stay fresh for up to 3 days . Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water if it seems dry.

I wouldn't recommend freezing it. The pasta can get a bit mushy.

Remix It!

Want to shake things up? Easy! Add sun-dried tomatoes and basil for a Mediterranean twist. You can use vegan Parmesan for a plant based version.

Or, use frozen spinach if you haven't any fresh. It is an affordable family dinners. Feel free to experiment.

Nutrition Nuggets: The Good Stuff

This pasta is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. Chickpeas offer a great protein boost. Spinach brings vitamins and minerals.

Using whole wheat pasta? Even better! The calories are around 400-450 per serving. It is based on what you add.

It will be Healthy Recipes Cheap

My Final Thoughts

Honestly? This recipe is one of my go-to quick weeknight meals . It's simple, satisfying, and budget friendly. Plus, it is an easy chickpea recipes.

Don't be afraid to play around with it, make it your own, and most importantly, enjoy! You've got this! It is Budget pasta recipes and also a Spinach pasta dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Speedy Chickpea & Spinach Pasta Power Bowl really one of those quick low cost dinner ideas, or are you pulling my leg?

Crikey, absolutely! This recipe is designed for those "hangry" moments when you need something fast and affordable. With pantry staples like pasta, chickpeas, and spinach, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in about 20 minutes without breaking the bank. It's a proper lifesaver on busy weeknights!

Can I tweak this recipe if I'm not a huge fan of spinach or chickpeas?

No worries, mate! Feel free to swap out the spinach for kale or another leafy green. If chickpeas aren't your thing, try cannellini beans or even some cooked chicken or sausage if you're not trying to keep it strictly vegetarian. It's all about making it your own, innit?

How long does this pasta dish last, and how should I store any leftovers?

Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving. You might want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen the sauce, as the pasta tends to absorb it over time. No one likes dry pasta!

I'm trying to eat healthier. Is this Speedy Chickpea & Spinach Pasta Power Bowl actually good for me?

You bet your bottom dollar! This dish is packed with protein and fiber from the chickpeas and spinach, plus it's relatively low in fat. Using whole wheat pasta bumps up the fiber content even more, and the lemon juice adds a boost of Vitamin C. Watch the amount of Parmesan you add to keep the sodium and fat in check.

What other easy variations can I try to spice up these quick low cost dinner ideas?

There are loads of ways to jazz it up! Try adding sun-dried tomatoes and basil for a Mediterranean twist. A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce can add some heat. Or, if you're feeling fancy, stir in a dollop of pesto at the end. The possibilities are endless!

Help! My sauce isn't creamy enough. What can I do to make this quick low cost dinner idea a bit more decadent?

Don't fret! A simple trick is to reserve a little extra pasta water and add it to the sauce a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. For extra creaminess, try stirring in a spoonful of mascarpone or cream cheese at the very end.

Just be careful not to overdo it, or it'll become more of a dessert than a dinner!