High-Protein Italian Dinner Bowl 43

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1.5 cups canned chickpeas
• 5 cups fresh spinach
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 pieces garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• salt
• black pepper
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. 1.Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. 2.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. 3.Add chickpeas to the skillet and cook until warmed through, about 3-4 minutes.
4. 4.Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
5. 5.Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with lemon zest and lemon juice. Toss to combine.
6. 6.If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
7. 7.Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. 8.Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.