Chickpea Marinara Sauce & Spinach

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By CYN LoPINTO
Editor-in-chief, gerontologist

We can all relate to those moments when we have no idea what we are making for dinner. A well-stocked pantry can be a lifesaver for these nights. Pasta with Chickpea Marinara Sauce & Spinach is an easy, healthy and vitamin-packed choice. Garbanzo beans are a great source of plant protein and spinach adds vitamins A, K, C, E, B4 and B6 – as well as zinc, iron and calcium. Combine this delicious sauce with some whole grain pasta and you have dinner in the bag.

Ingredients

2 T olive oil

1 large onion

2 cloves garlic

1 15 oz. can of chickpeas/garbanzo beans

1 32 oz. jar of your favorite marinara sauce (or 1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes)

1 10 oz. bag of baby spinach leaves

Salt and Pepper to taste

Fresh or dried basil for garnish

Fresh or dried whole grain pasta

Heat olive oil in a deep frying pan and saute onion. Add garlic. Rinse chickpeas/garbanzo beans in a colander and then add to pan. As the beans start to soften, add tomato sauce. Let simmer for 10 minutes. You can cook your pasta as the sauce is simmering so everything is done at the same time.

While the sauce is cooking, you may want to break up some of the beans with a potato masher or immersion blender to make it thicker. This depends on your preference. Some like the beans whole in the dish. Then add spinach leaves and stir for a few minutes until they are slightly wilted. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Drain pasta and serve sauce on top. Add basil for garnish and enjoy.

***Note – You could easily replace this dish with cannellini beans and it would work the same way.

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Cynthia Lopinto

Cyn LoPinto, M.A. is a gerontologist focusing on significant issues affecting older adults and their families. Her areas of interest include lifestyle enrichment, family dynamics, and caregiver support. Cyn has worked in both the recreational and healthcare industries.