Pesto Penne With Chickpeas Recipe

Former White House chef Sam Kass says this dish has some positive political karma attached to it, which is why he calls it Lucky Pasta in his new cookbook. We like its addition of spinach, and it has rekindled our love of small-size penne pasta -- not to mention the slight sweetness that pecans bring

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Former White House chef Sam Kass says this dish has some positive political karma attached to it, which is why he calls it Lucky Pasta in his new cookbook. We like its addition of spinach, and it has rekindled our love of small-size penne pasta -- not to mention the slight sweetness that pecans bring to the pesto.

Leftovers taste great cold.

Click here to see step-by-step photos for this recipe.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for three days.

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Ingredients

measuring cup

Servings: 4-6

Directions

  • Step 1

    Bring a pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add a generous pinch or two of salt and the pasta; cook according to the package directions, or until al dente, then strain out the water, reserving 1 cup. Leave the pasta in the pot.

  • Step 2

    Add the chickpeas to the pasta, mashing a few against the side of the pot, if you like, and stir them into the cooked pasta (to warm up).

  • Step 3

    Drop the garlic into a food processor with the motor running, so it becomes finely chopped. Stop to add the basil, nuts, half the cheese, half the oil and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt; pulse to create a coarse puree. With the motor running, gradually add the remaining oil and puree to form a fairly smooth pesto.

  • Step 4

    Use your hands to squeeze excess moisture from the spinach and then place the greens in a large serving bowl. Add the pesto and the pasta-chickpea mixture, then toss to incorporate. Add a splash or two of the reserved pasta cooking water if the mixture seems dry. Taste and season with salt, as needed.

  • Step 5

    Divide among bowls; top with the remaining cheese and a drizzle of oil.

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    Nutritional Facts

    Per serving (based on 6)

    • Calories

      510

    • Fat

      25 g

    • Saturated Fat

      4 g

    • Carbohydrates

      57 g

    • Sodium

      360 mg

    • Protein

      15 g

    • Fiber

      5 g

    • Sugar

      3 g

    This analysis is an estimate based on available ingredients and this preparation. It should not substitute for a dietitian’s or nutritionist’s advice.

    Adapted from "Eat a Little Better: Great Flavor, Good Health, Better World," by Sam Kass (Clarkson Potter, 2018).

    Tested by Bonnie S. Benwick.

    Published April 30, 2018

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