Prepare to fall in love with the most soul-satisfying, quick, and delicious Italian-inspired dish that will transform your weeknight dinner! This Pasta with White Beans recipe is a hidden gem that combines creamy white beans, perfectly cooked pasta, and a burst of garlic and red pepper flavors that will make your taste buds dance. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that's both nutritious and incredibly easy to prepare – perfect for busy home cooks looking for a comforting and impressive dish.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
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 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the skillet. Gently stir and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the beans to warm through and absorb the garlic and oil flavors.
- Drain the cooked pasta and transfer it directly into the skillet with the beans. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light, silky sauce.
- Season the pasta and beans with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the pasta to serving plates. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with additional red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
Tips
- Always reserve some pasta cooking water – the starchy liquid is key to creating a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats your pasta.
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor, as it's a crucial component of this simple dish.
- Be careful not to brown the garlic – it should be fragrant but not burnt, which can make the sauce taste bitter.
- For extra richness, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
- Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli, to maximize flavor in every bite.
- If you want to add more protein, consider stirring in some crispy pancetta or cooked chicken before serving.
- Fresh parsley is not just a garnish – it adds a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the beans and oil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
