Spicy Linguini Cheap Easy and Much Healthier Than Most

Transform your weeknight dinners with this Spicy Linguini recipe—a budget-friendly, quick, and healthier alternative to traditional pasta dishes! Featuring whole ingredients like nutrient-packed baby spinach, protein-rich chickpeas, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this dish balances bold flavors and wholesome goodness. Infused with aromatic garlic, a kick of crushed red chili flakes, and a zesty splash of fresh lemon juice, every bite is vibrant and satisfying. Ready in just 25 minutes, this vegetarian pasta is perfect for busy days, and it can be customized with optional Parmesan cheese for added richness. Serve this easy and delicious meal piping hot for a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams linguini pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 units garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
• 300 grams cherry tomatoes
• 100 grams baby spinach
• 1 cup canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 30 grams parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Finely mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Add the crushed red chili flakes to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds to evenly distribute the spice.

Step 5

Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 6

Toss in the baby spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until wilted.

Step 7

Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet and stir to combine. Let everything cook for another 2 minutes to warm through.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked linguini pasta. Add the reserved pasta water, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until well coated and the pasta reaches your desired consistency.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat. If desired, sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(976.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1162.4

Total Fat 45.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 24mg	0%
Sodium 3345.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 147.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.4g	0%
Total Sugars 18.2g
Protein 46.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 613.2mg	0%
Iron 10.0mg	0%
Potassium 1577.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.3%

Protein: 15.7%

Carbs: 50.0%