Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines creamy white beans with the vibrant, herbaceous flavors of pesto? Get ready to transform a simple can of beans into a restaurant-worthy meal that will have your taste buds dancing! This lightning-fast recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food, promising maximum flavor with minimal effort. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a dish that's not only incredibly delicious but also packed with protein and bursting with authentic Italian flair.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the white beans thoroughly in a colander, ensuring all excess liquid is removed. Pat the beans gently with paper towels to remove additional moisture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm and shimmer slightly, which indicates it's ready for cooking.
- Add the drained white beans to the heated skillet, spreading them evenly across the pan's surface to ensure uniform heating.
- Gently stir and sauté the beans for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to warm through and develop a slight golden color around the edges.
- Reduce heat to low and add the prepared pesto directly to the beans. Stir carefully to coat all beans evenly with the pesto sauce.
- Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional fresh basil or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired.
Tips
- Moisture is Key: Make sure to thoroughly drain and pat dry your beans to achieve a perfect golden sauté and prevent soggy results.
- Choose Quality Pesto: Use a high-quality, fresh pesto for the most vibrant flavor. Homemade is best, but a good store-bought version works wonderfully.
- Control Your Heat: Medium heat is crucial when sautéing beans to develop a light golden color without burning.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add extra ingredients like cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, or crumbled feta for additional texture and flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is versatile! Serve as a side, a light main course, or even as a warm salad over mixed greens.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be prepared in advance and gently reheated, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 3mg
