Spicy Garlic Pasta

Who doesn’t love a warm and spicy pasta dinner in the fall?!

I know I do! Especially since it’s been rainy and cold here for the past two weeks and not changing anytime soon… so spicy garlic pasta sounds fantastic!

Per usual, I’m using one of Al Dente‘s amazing pastas, this time their new Golden Egg Bonnetti and of course… the flavor is just perfection and it cooks in record time (only 5 minutes)!

Along with cute bonnetti shells, our spicy garlic pasta recipe has TONS of (you guessed it…) garlic plus some fresh baby spinach, chickpeas, tomato sauce, red pepper flakes, and fresh parmesan that turn it into a wonderful weeknight (read: quick!) pasta recipe with an extra kick!

This delicious spicy garlic pasta comes together in only 20 minutes with only 10 ingredients, my favorite kind of dinner recipe! Quick, easy, and inexpensive… triple treat level midnight (name that show)!

Besides pasta recipes, what are y’all craving this fall?! I’ve got some peanut butter chip bourbon blondies, banana apple buckwheat pancakes, and vegan “taco” casserole salad coming up, BUT I want to hear what y’all want, SO tell me in the comments please! Oh, and I need to bake something pumpkin-y soon since I haven’t yet this fall… omg, I know, getting to work on that ASAP.

Okay, time for that recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 8 oz Al Dente Bonnetti pasta, cooked according to package instructions
• 1/3 cup reserved pasta water
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 8 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 1/2-1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes + extra for garnish
• 10 oz of fresh baby spinach is healthy
• pinch of fine sea salt and black pepper
• 1 (14oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese + extra for garish

How to make Spicy Garlic Pasta

Step 1:

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1⁄3 cup of cooked pasta water before draining.

Step 2:

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, then sauté for about 1 minute or until garlic is fragrant. Next, stir in the spinach along with a healthy pinch of sea salt and black pepper and cook until the spinach wilts. Mix in the chickpeas, tomato sauce, and reserved pasta water, then cook for about 5 minutes, or until the tomato sauce is hot. Finally, stir in the cooked pasta and parmesan cheese until well combined and the cheese starts to melt. Remove from heat.

Step 3:

Divide pasta between bowls, then garnish with extra red pepper flakes and grated cheese! Enjoy!

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Strainer or colander
• Measuring cups
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater
• Cutting board and knife (for mincing garlic)
• Ladle or spoon (for serving)

WHAT TO EAT WITH THIS SPICY GARLIC PASTA

Dinner time with my two little whirlwinds can be chaotic, which is why Spicy Garlic Pasta has become one of my favorite go-tos. It’s bold, can be ready in under 30 minutes, a total win on a weeknight.

I’ve played around with the spice level (my kids aren’t quite chili-heads yet), but that base of sautéed garlic, tomatoes, and olive oil is always a hit. One night, I tossed in leftover crab meat, and it turned out restaurant-worthy.

We love pairing it with Juicy AF Turkey Burgers, those things are so tender they practically melt, and always finish off with something sweet like Fresh Michigan Cherry Pop-Tarts.

To round it out, I serve Lemon Parmesan Broccoli and Strawberry Basil Lemonade.

A flavorful meal with zero whining? I call that a mom win.

FAQ

What is spicy garlic pasta made of?

This spicy garlic pasta is made of pasta, garlic, olive oil, crushed red pepper, spinach, chickpeas, tomato sauce, and parmesan cheese.

What does spicy garlic pasta taste like?

It tastes a little spicy, with a creamy tomato sauce and pasta, plus tender spinach and chickpeas.

Can I make this less spicy?

Yes! Use only a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely.

What can I use instead of spinach?

You can use kale or chopped broccoli.

Can I leave out the chickpeas?

Yes, you can replace them with white beans or tofu.

Is this a vegetarian recipe?

Yes.

How spicy is this dish?

That depends on how much red pepper you use.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes.

What can I do with leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.