15-Minute Creamy Pasta with Spinach and Chickpeas

This 15-minute creamy pasta with spinach and chickpeas is an easy dinner for busy days. Cream cheese creates a smooth sauce, baby spinach adds freshness, and chickpeas bring a satisfying texture. The recipe serves two and is simple enough for complete beginners.

Total time15 minutes

Serves2

Difficultyeasy

Recipe at a glance

• Cook the pasta until al dente and reserve some of the cooking water.
• Briefly cook the garlic and chickpeas in olive oil.
• Make a smooth sauce with cream cheese and cooking cream or pasta water.
• Add the spinach and pasta, toss well, and finish with Parmesan.

Why this creamy pasta works for a quick dinner

Pasta, chickpeas, and spinach come together in a creamy dish that even beginners can prepare. The sauce is made while the pasta cooks, helping dinner reach the table quickly. Reserved pasta water adjusts the consistency of the sauce, while Parmesan adds the finishing touch.

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Ingredients

• 200 g pasta (penne, fusilli, or shells)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 can chickpeas (about 240 g drained weight, rinsed)
• 100 g fresh baby spinach
• 2 heaped tablespoons cream cheese (herb-flavored or plain)
• 50 ml cooking cream or reserved pasta water
• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 20 g grated Parmesan, for serving

Method

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 100 ml of the cooking water.

Cook the garlic and chickpeas: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Do not let it burn or brown. Add the rinsed chickpeas and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

Make the sauce: Add the cream cheese and cooking cream or 50 ml of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir well over low heat until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Add the spinach and pasta: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir for 1 to 2 minutes, until wilted. Add the drained pasta.

Serve: Toss everything together well. If needed, add a little more pasta water for extra creaminess. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve immediately.

Tips for a smooth, creamy sauce

• Reserve about 100 ml of the pasta cooking water before draining.
• Cook the garlic for only about 30 seconds and do not let it brown.
• Stir the cream cheese into the sauce over low heat.
• If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a little more reserved pasta water.
• Add the spinach just before the pasta and cook it only until wilted.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does this creamy pasta take to prepare?

Dinner for two is ready in about 15 minutes.

Which pasta shapes work for this recipe?

You can use penne, fusilli, or pasta shells.

Why should I reserve the pasta cooking water?

You can use it instead of cooking cream or add it as needed to adjust the consistency of the sauce.

How do I keep the garlic from turning bitter?

Cook it over medium heat for only about 30 seconds and do not let it brown.

When should I add the fresh spinach?

Add it to the finished sauce and stir for 1 to 2 minutes, until wilted, before adding the pasta.