Creating this delightful Garlic Roasted Chickpea & Spinach Pasta is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to bring this recipe to life:

Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread the drained and rinsed chickpeas on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chickpeas.
4. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
5. Toss the chickpeas to ensure they are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
6. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Stir halfway through to ensure even roasting.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

7. While the chickpeas are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
8. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
9. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Spinach and Garlic

10. In a large skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
11. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
12. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring gently until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

13. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sautéed spinach and garlic.
14. Stir in the roasted chickpeas.
15. Add the reserved pasta water and lemon juice, tossing everything together to combine.
16. Season with the remaining salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 5: Serve the Dish

17. Transfer the pasta to serving plates.
18. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired.
19. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Garlic Roasted Chickpea & Spinach Pasta.