Curly Pasta with Spinach & Chickpeas

The portions are small because this simple pasta is part of a multi-course meal. If you want to use it as a main dish, the recipe will serve four.

Directions

1. Heat a large skillet. Gradually add the fresh spinach and cook over moderately high heat, stirring between additions, until wilted. Transfer the spinach to a colander and rinse under cold water, then gently squeeze fairly dry. Coarsely chop the fresh or frozen spinach.
2. In the same skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the pancetta and garlic and cook over low heat, stirring, until the garlic is lightly browned, about 12 minutes.
3. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 3/4 cup of the cooking water. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl.
4. Return the spinach to the skillet and cook over high heat, stirring, until heated through. Add the chickpeas and reserved pasta water and simmer for 3 minutes. Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss well. Season with salt and pepper and serve at once.

Uberto Creatini, Food & Wine Magazine
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