Pasta Pomodoro with Palmini Angel Hair, Chickpeas & Spinach
Simple ingredients. Big, bright flavor.
There are a handful of recipes I come back to again and again when the goal is clear: maximum satisfaction, minimum complexity. Pomodoro sauce is one of them. It’s the simplest Italian tomato sauce, built from humble ingredients — tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt, and time. It’s smooth, light, and clean. It tastes like summer, even in the dead of winter.
For this version, I swap traditional pasta for Palmini angel hair, which is made from hearts of palm. That means it’s naturally gluten-free, low-carb, lower in calories, and full of fiber — a veggie-forward noodle that still delivers the long-twirl comfort of a pasta night.
Then I add chickpeas for protein and a generous handful of spinach to round out the bowl and bring in a little green. The result is a sauce-first pasta moment that feels balanced, nourishing, and incredibly easy to throw together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Made with simple pantry staples
Protein + fiber + greens in one bowl
Quick enough for a weeknight
Tomato-forward, fresh, and bright
A healthy swap that doesn’t feel like one
What is Pomodoro Sauce?
Pomodoro literally means “tomato” in Italian. In the context of cooking, pomodoro sauce is a silky, minimalist tomato sauce, smoother and lighter than marinara, and usually made without lots of extras. It relies on quality tomatoes and fresh basil for its clean flavor. It’s uncomplicated, classic, and wildly versatile.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
OR 2 cups cherry tomatoes / Roma tomatoes (rough-chopped or whole)1 can chickpeas, drained & rinsed (added for protein)
2 generous handfuls baby spinach
¼ cup fresh basil, torn
Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
1 package Palmini Angel Hair, drained and rinsed well
Vegan parmesan, for serving (optional but recommended)
Instructions
Sauté the garlic
Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant — avoid browning, you just want to wake it up.Add the tomatoes
Pour in crushed tomatoes or add cherry/Roma tomatoes directly to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Stir and simmer gently for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.Add chickpeas + spinach
Stir in chickpeas and spinach. Let the spinach wilt into the sauce, about 2 minutes.Toss in the noodles
Add the rinsed Palmini angel hair and gently toss until warmed through, 1–2 minutes.Finish with basil
Remove from heat and stir in fresh torn basil for that signature pomodoro brightness.Serve
Top with vegan parmesan and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired. Eat immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for Success
Always rinse Palmini thoroughly to remove any brine flavor
Simmer the sauce enough to let the basil infuse
Add the spinach last so it stays vibrant
Use wider pans to help tomatoes reduce evenly
Nutrition Highlights
By using hearts-of-palm noodles, you’re getting:
A low-carb, low-calorie noodle option
Fiber for digestion + satiety
Naturally gluten-free
A full serving of veggies before even adding spinach — win!
Chickpeas bring in plant-based protein, iron, and even more fiber — making this dish a wholesome meal instead of just a side.
Serving Suggestions
Make it a full Italian night with:
Toasted sourdough rubbed with olive oil + garlic
A cucumber & basil side salad
A scoop of vegan ricotta stirred into the sauce for extra creaminess
Variations
Extra hearty: double the chickpeas
More tomato-y: use both crushed + burst tomatoes
Spicy: add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic
Meal prep: store sauce separate from noodles, and warm together before serving
Closing Thoughts
This is the sauce I make when I want pasta to feel effortless. Simple ingredients, clean tomato flavor, cozy energy, and a noodle swap that actually adds health benefits instead of taking anything away. A bowl you’ll remember, even though the process is barely a process at all.
If you try it, I want to hear — leave a comment or tag me so I can see your pasta moment in action 🍝💛
