Imagine a pasta dish so creamy, so satisfying, and surprisingly healthy that it'll make you forget about traditional cream sauces forever. This White Bean Pasta Sauce is about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone who simply loves quick, nutritious meals, this recipe is your ultimate culinary shortcut to comfort!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound pasta of choice
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the white beans thoroughly in a colander, ensuring all excess liquid is removed. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add the drained white beans to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the beans to warm through.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and sprinkle dried thyme over the beans. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the bean sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Use an immersion blender or potato masher to partially break down the beans, creating a creamy yet textured sauce. If using a blender, leave some beans whole for texture.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more vegetable broth to reach desired consistency.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the bean sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired.
Tips
- Choose high-quality white beans: Cannellini or Great Northern beans work best for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Don't overcook the garlic: Sauté it just until fragrant to prevent bitterness.
- Reserve some pasta water: If your sauce is too thick, use pasta water instead of additional broth for better binding.
- For extra creaminess, blend about 2/3 of the beans and leave 1/3 whole.
- Experiment with herbs: While dried thyme is classic, try fresh basil or rosemary for variation.
- For a protein boost, add some nutritional yeast or grated Parmesan cheese.
- Let the sauce simmer slowly to develop deeper flavors and achieve the perfect consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 561kcal
Carbohydrates: 106g
Protein: g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
