Ceci, Spinach And Shells Recipe

Name: Ceci, Spinach And Shells
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: For the tomato sauce; 1 14.5 ounce can plum tomatoes, crushed; 4 tablespoons butter; 1 cup rough chopped onions; 3 cloves garlic, halved; 1 teaspoon ground fennel seed; 1 heaping teaspoon anchovy paste; 1 cup water; For the soup; The tomato sauce; 5 to 6 cups chicken broth; 4 cups cooked chick peas (or two 14.5 ounce cans, drained and rinsed); 1 1/2 cups mini shell pasta (or ditalini, tubetti, or elbows); 1 heaping tablespoon home made or commercially prepared basil pesto (or 12 finely sliced fresh basil leaves); 2 large handfuls of fresh baby spinach leaves, thick stems removed; 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan plus lots more for garnish; Salt and pepper to taste if needed

Servings: persons

For the tomato sauce
1 14.5 ounce can plum tomatoes, crushed
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup rough chopped onions
3 cloves garlic, halved
1 teaspoon ground fennel seed
1 heaping teaspoon anchovy paste
1 cup water
For the soup
The tomato sauce
5 to 6 cups chicken broth
4 cups cooked chick peas (or two 14.5 ounce cans, drained and rinsed)
1 1/2 cups mini shell pasta (or ditalini, tubetti, or elbows)
1 heaping tablespoon home made or commercially prepared basil pesto (or 12 finely sliced fresh basil leaves)
2 large handfuls of fresh baby spinach leaves, thick stems removed
1/3 cup finely grated parmesan plus lots more for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste if needed

1
Place all ingredients into a 4 or 5 quart soup pot, bring up to a boil and then down to a low simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.
2
Cool the mixture a bit and then use an immersion blender to puree right in the pot.
3
Add the 5 cups of the chicken broth and the chick peas to the tomato sauce in the soup pot, bring up to a boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes.
4
Add the pasta, bring back up to the boil and then simmer until the pasta is just al dente. Depending on your pasta this will take about 6 to 8 minutes, give or take.
5
At this point if the soup seems too thick, add that sixth cup of chicken broth and bring back up to a simmer.
6
Stir in the pesto or basil leaves and the spinach and simmer until the spinach wilts. Stir in the quarter cup of parmesan and season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve in bowls topped with more parmesan.

920

kcal

Calories

Fat

111

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 17 ingredients. The key ingredients include: For the tomato sauce, 1 14.5 ounce can plum tomatoes, crushed, 4 tablespoons butter, 1 cup rough chopped onions, and more.

Yes, Ceci, Spinach And Shells falls under the Vegetarian category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Ceci, Spinach And Shells

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions