Curly Pasta With Spinach and Chickpeas

Ingredients

Directions

1. 1

   Heat a large skillet. Gradually add the fresh spinach and cook over moderately high heat, stirring between additions, until wilted.

2. 2

   Transfer the spinach to a colander and rinse under cold water, then gently squeeze fairly dry.

3. 3

   Coarsely chop the spinach.

4. 4

   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.

5. 5

   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.

6. 6

   Transfer the pasta to a large bowl.

7. 7

   Return the spinach to the skillet and cook over high heat, stirring, until heated through.

8. 8

   Add the chickpeas and reserved pasta water and simmer for 3 minutes.

9. 9

   Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss well. Season with salt and pepper and serve at once.