Los Angeles ? Former “Calorie Commando” TV chef Juan-Carlos Cruz pleaded not guilty Monday to charges involving an alleged plot to hire two homeless men to kill his wife.

Unshaven and in handcuffs, Cruz, 48, entered the pleas to charges of attempted murder and solicitation of murder during his arraignment in Superior Court.

The former Food Network host could face life in prison if convicted.

Cruz was arrested Thursday, a week after a homeless man told the Santa Monica Police Department’s homeless liaison officers about the alleged solicitation and an investigation was launched.