Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Then look no further! This creamy pasta with white beans recipe is your new weeknight go-to. It's packed with flavor, protein, and fiber, making it a satisfying and nutritious choice for the whole family. This easy recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner idea but still want something homemade and delicious. Get ready to elevate your pasta game!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe utilizes pantry staples, making it a perfect choice for impromptu meals.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Deliciousness
This recipe is incredibly straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Let's get started!
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Create the Creamy Sauce: Add the rinsed and drained cannellini beans, vegetable broth, oregano, and basil to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Blend for Extra Creaminess (Optional): For an extra creamy texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the sauce. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender (in batches) and blend until smooth.
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Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the bean sauce. Stir to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Tips and Variations for a Personalized Dish
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Boost the protein: Add some cooked sausage, chicken, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Lemon zest: A little lemon zest brightens up the flavor profile wonderfully.
- Different beans: Experiment with other white beans like Great Northern beans or navy beans.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This recipe provides a healthy and balanced meal. Nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 15-20 grams
- Fiber: 10-15 grams
This pasta with white beans recipe is a testament to how simple, healthy, and delicious homemade cooking can be. It's a perfect example of a quick dinner idea that doesn't compromise on flavor or nutrition. Enjoy!