Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious weeknight dinner? Look no further! This fava bean pasta recipe is a celebration of spring flavors, packed with vibrant greens and the delicate sweetness of fresh fava beans. It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and impressive enough to serve to guests. Get ready to elevate your pasta game with this simple yet satisfying dish! This recipe is a perfect example of easy recipes and healthy meals all in one. Homemade cooking has never been this simple!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well)
- 1 pound fresh fava beans, shelled and skinned (or 2 cups frozen, thawed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped shallots
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra zing)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Sauté the aromatics:
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallots and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Don't let the garlic brown!
Add the beans and broth:
- Add the fava beans to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
Combine and serve:
-
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss to combine. The pasta water helps create a lovely creamy sauce.
-
Stir in the parsley, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- Skinning fava beans: While it adds a step, shelling and skinning fresh fava beans results in a much more tender and flavorful dish. To skin them, blanch the shelled beans for a minute, then plunge into ice water. The skins will easily slip off.
- Frozen fava beans: If using frozen fava beans, simply thaw them and add them to the skillet with the garlic and shallots.
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian/Vegan options: This recipe is already vegetarian, and easily made vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese. Nutritional yeast can be used as a substitute for a cheesy flavor.
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a good source of protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. The exact nutritional content will vary depending on the ingredients used.
This fava bean pasta recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can make quickly at home. It's a simple recipe perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks looking for healthy, flavorful, and satisfying weeknight meals. Enjoy!