This post is sponsored by Barilla but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

In the late afternoons, I often begin to feel overwhelmed, over-scheduled and over-drawn physically and mentally. Planning a balanced meal option to make my family for dinner can sometimes push me over the edge — yet, as a healthy living advocate, I’m not a big fan of hitting the drive-thru or grabbing take-out.

Enter Barilla Chickpea Pasta , this pantry staple has been a life saver (maybe literally!) and has definitely saved dinner on dozens of occasions. Read on to learn more about this plant-based pasta and check out the TWO fast and flavorful alternative pasta recipes I’m sharing today —Garlic-Lover’s Mushroom Chickpea Pasta and Pesto Chickpea Rotini with Spinach, Pistachios & Feta:

Before I jump into my speedy and satisfying gluten-free pasta recipes, I need to tell you more about the amazing legume-based pastas from Barilla. 

Until discovering Barilla Chickpea Pasta, I’ve shied away from revisiting many of the gluten-free and plant-based pasta alternatives I’ve tried in the past. Many of these “better for you” pastas have questionable ingredients on the label and/or cook up sticky, slimy and unpleasing to my palate. But the Barilla Chickpea Rotini I’m using in today’s Mediterranean-inspired pasta recipes are made from ONE simple ingredient – just chickpeas. Simple is best and these legume-based noodles offer fabulous taste and a true “al dente” texture that will hold up to and complement whatever fresh and healthy ingredients dress them up.

Because I eat a lower-carb (but not NO carb) diet, I choose to stay away from traditional pastas and breads and portion my preferred whole grains, like rice, quinoa and oats. Most of my carb calories some from vegetables and fruit, similar to the array you might find on the Mediterranean diet. Barilla Chickpea Pasta fits in beautifully with my eating patterns. It’s a good source of plant-based protein (11 grams protein per 2-ounce serving), it’s fiber-rich, non-GMO certified, naturally grain and gluten-free and works with vegetarian and vegan diets.

First up is Garlic-lovers Mushroom Chickpea Pasta, ahhhh – can’t you just smell it! It’s especially for garlic lovers because it features garlic-infused extra virgin olive oil, roasted garlic, Baby Bella mushrooms – and of course, Barilla Chickpea Pasta.

This easy garlic mushroom gluten-free pasta comes together in about 15 minutes if you use roasted garlic pods found on your market’s fresh olive or antipasta bar. However, roasted garlic can also be purchased jar-packed in olive oil or made homemade, although this adds time to the recipe. To roast, simply snip the top points off a multiple-clove head of garlic, wrap up in foil and roast in a 400 F degree oven for 45 minutes.

I sauté the mushrooms and roasted garlic for this gluten-free recipe while the Barilla Chickpea Pasta , cooks for 7 to 9 minutes on the stove top. After draining the hot pasta, I toss with garlic-infused extra olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Next, I toss in in the sautéed mushrooms and garlic and then serve – delicious!

The second fit and flavorful recipe I enjoy making with Barilla Chickpea Pasta is Pesto Chickpea Rotini with Spinach, Pistachios & Feta. It’s another under 20-minute recipe that is ideal for busy weeknights. After boiling my Barilla Chickpea Rotini  for 7 to 9 minutes until al dente, I toss it with a prepared pesto sauce (hint: try the pesto from Barilla!). While still hot, I add fresh chopped spinach and toss around until wilted – then I add chopped pistachios and crumbled feta cheese on top!

Barilla Chickpea Pasta holds up well as leftovers, it reheats without rendering the pasta lifeless. This also makes the gluten-free pasta perfect for meal-prepping – nothing like having a healthy meal all packed and ready to take to lunch or grab for a nourishing meal post-workout.

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Purchase Barilla Chickpea Pasta on Amazon for an easy way to add plant-based options to your diet – they also offer an amazing Red Lentil Pasta (campaign link), too! I am a big fan of buying both of these multi-packs to stock my pantry so that a quick and healthy plant-based pasta is just minutes away.

What are your thoughts on gluten-free pasta alternatives and/or plant-based meals?