Ingredients
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1 pound Ground beef or a mixture of beef and porkFor the meatballs
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1/2 cup BreadcrumbsFor the meatballs
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan CheeseFor the meatballs
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1 EggFor the meatballs
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2 cloves, minced GarlicFor the meatballs
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1 teaspoon Dried OreganoFor the meatballs
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Salt and pepper to tasteFor the meatballs
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Olive oil for fryingFor the meatballs
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2 cups, washed and chopped Fresh spinach leavesFor the spinach sauce
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2 cloves, minced GarlicFor the spinach sauce
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1/2 cup Heavy creamFor the spinach sauce
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Salt and pepper to tasteFor the spinach sauce
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12 ounces Farfalle pastaFor the pasta
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Salt for boiling waterFor the pasta
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1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed ChickpeasFor the fried chickpeas
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2 tablespoons Olive OilFor the fried chickpeas
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Salt and pepper to tasteFor the fried chickpeas
Directions
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Shape the mixture into small meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then add minced garlic and chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- While preparing the sauce, cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- For the fried chickpeas, pat the rinsed chickpeas dry with paper towels. Heat olive oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chickpeas and cook until they are crispy and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- To serve, toss the cooked pasta with the spinach sauce. Arrange the meatballs on top of the pasta and sprinkle with the fried chickpeas.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious farfalle pasta with meatballs and spinach sauce topped with crispy fried chickpeas!
