Are you craving a quick, nutritious, and absolutely delicious meal that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you? Look no further than this mouthwatering Beans and Greens Pasta – the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that combines hearty protein, leafy greens, and perfectly cooked pasta in one incredible dish. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves easy, flavorful meals, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups kale or spinach, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated vegan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add drained and rinsed cannellini beans to the skillet. Gently stir and cook for 2-3 minutes to warm the beans through.
- Add chopped kale or spinach to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender, stirring occasionally.
- Once pasta is drained, add it directly to the skillet with beans and greens. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle with vegan cheese before serving.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional red pepper flakes or fresh herbs if preferred.
Tips
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together perfectly.
- Don't Overcook the Greens: Add kale or spinach at the last moment to maintain their vibrant color and nutritional value. They should be just wilted, not mushy.
- Garlic is Your Friend: Sauté garlic briefly to release its flavor without burning. The 30-45 second window is crucial for that perfect aromatic base.
- Customize Your Protein: While cannellini beans are fantastic, feel free to swap with chickpeas or white beans for variety.
- Spice It Up: Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference. Start small and add more if you like a spicier kick.
- Optional Upgrade: A sprinkle of vegan cheese or nutritional yeast can add an extra layer of flavor and richness to the dish.
- For Best Results: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients and don't rush the cooking process. Let each ingredient shine!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
