Italian Wonderpot with Chickpeas, Spinach and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Sometimes we need a break and combined with simple = WIN!  Can you handle dinner in less than 30 minutes?  Then this should be happening in your house!

This recipe originated from Martha Stewart’s Living, but I stumbled upon it on a really fantastic blog called Budget Bytes and have slightly adapted it.  I’m pretty sure you’ll think it’s wonder-ful!

I’m not sure the exact reason this dish is called the Wonderpot.  I think it’s because you’ll “wonder” why you never thought of this yourself.  But really, I think it’s called this because you throw all the ingredients together in one pot and wonderful things happen….everything magically comes together with little effort and you have a delicious meal- and on the cheap.

If the idea of eating a pasta dish with the starchy water makes you turn up your nose… well… I don’t blame you, but here’s the deal with this dish:  It does work but DO NOT OVERCOOK THE PASTA!!  In fact, the starchy water with the broth gives a nice flavor and richness.  But please, cook the pasta al dente or a little less, will ya?  You promise?  You’ll thank me for it!

Italian Wonderpot with Chickpeas and Spinach

 

Author: Jenn @ The Spice Kit Recipes

Prep time:  15 mins

Cook time:  8 mins

Total time:  23 mins

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Ingredients

• 3 Tbsps. olive oil
• 1 cup onion (about 1 medium), diced
• 2 tsps. (4 cloves) garlic, chopped
• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (15.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes with the juices (I used stewed and chopped them)
• 1 (15.5 oz.) can chickpeas, drained
• 1 (16 oz.) package of fettuccine
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tsps. dried oregano
• ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 2 Tbsps fresh basil, chopped or ½ tsp. dried basil
• ½ cup (4 ozs.) feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

1. Heat oil on medium heat in a large pot. Add onion and saute 3 minutes. Add garlic and saute 2 minutes.
2. Add remaining ingredients except spinach, basil, and cheese making sure everything is completely submerged under the liquid.
3. Cover pot and bring to a boil on high heat.
4. Once it's reached a full boil, uncover and boil on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-6 minutes, or until the fettuccine is almost done. DO NOT COOK UNTIL SOFT! When almost done, turn off the heat and stir in the spinach and basil so the spinach wilts.
5. Add cheese and drizzle each serving with extra virgin olive oil and serve.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Budget Bytes.

Stir so the pasta doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan or to each other, but don't over stir or over cook or you will end up with mush.

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