Pasta and beans are more than just a dish; it’s a heartwarming experience that transports you to the kitchens of Italy. This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors, textures, and nutrients, all wrapped in a warm bowl.
Why We Love This Pasta and Beans Recipe
The beauty of pasta and beans lies in its versatility and the fact that it is both satisfying and nutritious. These two elements alone make it an ideal comfort food, especially for busy weeknights. You’ll appreciate how affordable and accessible the ingredients are; you probably have most of them sitting in your pantry already.
Furthermore, this dish is packed with protein and fiber, thanks to the beans and the pasta, offering a wholesome balance that nourishes your body. You can enjoy it as a main meal or serve it as a side dish, lending it even greater adaptability to your dining needs. Plus, the options for customizing the recipe are endless, allowing you to play with flavors and add your own twist over time.
Ingredients about Pasta and Beans Recipe
To create this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 cup quartered carrots
- 2 (15 oz) cans cooked cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
How to Make Pasta and Beans Recipe Directions
Getting started with your pasta and beans is simple and straightforward. Here’s how you can prepare this comforting meal with ease.
Stove Top Instructions:
- Begin by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Once the oil is warm, add the diced onions, minced garlic, and quartered carrots. Sauté these ingredients for about five minutes or until the onions become translucent and tender.
- Next, add the rinsed and drained cannellini beans, tomato sauce, bay leaf, dried basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper, red pepper flakes, vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Stir everything together to incorporate the flavors.
- Cover the pot and increase the heat to high. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, remembering to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat back to medium and add the dry ditalini pasta. Cook for half the time indicated on the pasta package, regularly checking for doneness.
- Make sure to discard the bay leaf before serving and enjoy your hearty pasta and beans!
Instant Pot Instructions:
- Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function for approximately eight minutes, allowing it to preheat.
- Pour in the olive oil, and sauté the onions, garlic, and carrots for about five minutes until they soften.
- Add in the pasta, cannellini beans, seasonings, water, and vegetable broth. Pour the tomato sauce on top without stirring, as this will help with the layering.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid, set it to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for two minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle ends, do a quick release of the pressure. Remember to remove the bay leaf, stir the dish, and serve warm!
Crockpot Instructions:
- Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onions, garlic, and carrots for five minutes.
- Transfer this mixture into your crockpot.
- Then, add in the tomato sauce, spices, vegetable stock, and beans. Avoid adding the pasta at this point.
- Mix everything until well combined and set to cook on low for four to six hours.
- During the last hour of cooking, add the raw ditalini pasta to the crockpot to finish cooking in the flavorful broth. Once done, remember to take out the bay leaf before serving.
How to Serve Pasta and Beans Recipe
Now that your delicious pasta and beans are ready, you might wonder how best to serve it. This dish shines in simplicity, so you don’t need to overthink it. Ladle the pasta and beans into bowls while they are still warm.
For a gourmet touch, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top. A generous grating of fresh parmesan cheese can elevate the flavors even further, creating a delightful contrast to the creamy beans.
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread on the side, and you have a complete meal that everyone will love. Leftovers also make excellent lunch options, especially when garnished with fresh herbs.
Expert Tips: Pasta and Beans Recipe
To ensure that your pasta and beans turn out perfectly every time, consider the following expert tips:
Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for the best olive oil, fresh vegetables, and high-quality canned beans. This will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Adjust Spices to Your Taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak the amount of herbs and spices according to your personal preference. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes!
Pasta Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking time for the ditalini pasta. Since it continues to cook slightly even after it’s off the heat, aim for al dente to ensure it retains some bite.
Storage and Reheating: If you serve this dish later, be mindful that pasta can soak up moisture. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of water or broth to restore its creamy texture.
Experiment with Add-Ins: You can mix in additional vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients. Feel free to experiment with different beans as well.
How to Store Pasta and Beans Recipe
If you happen to have leftovers (which is quite common with this hearty dish), storing pasta and beans is simple. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat, place it in a saucepan over low to medium heat, adding a little bit of vegetable broth or water to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can result in uneven heating.
If you wish to freeze pasta and beans, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variation of Pasta and Beans Recipe
One of the wonderful aspects of pasta and beans is its versatility. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste or dietary requirements.
Vegetarian/Vegan Variation: This recipe is already vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by ensuring that all ingredients, including vegetable broth and any toppings, are plant-based.
Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, switch out ditalini pasta for a gluten-free pasta alternative. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Veggie-Packed Pasta and Beans: Toss in chopped spinach, kale, or bell peppers for extra nutrition. These veggies can be added during the last cooking phase to prevent overcooking.
Creamy Texture: If you prefer a creamier version, blend a portion of the beans and mix them back into the pot. This will create a luscious texture that complements the ingredients beautifully.
Protein Boost: Incorporate cooked chicken or turkey for an added protein kick. This variation transforms your dish into a more filling meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of beans work best for pasta and beans?
While cannellini beans are traditionally used for their creamy texture and mild flavor, you can also try using navy beans or even chickpeas for a different taste.
Can I make pasta and beans ahead of time?
Absolutely! Pasta and beans can be prepared a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, you may need to add a little liquid to restore the consistency.
Is pasta and beans healthy?
Yes, it’s a nutritious dish! Packed with plant-based protein and fiber from the beans and complex carbohydrates from the pasta, it offers a balanced meal that is both hearty and satisfying.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Definitely! If you have fresh herbs on hand, they can greatly enhance the flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried, as they are less concentrated.
How do I know when the pasta is cooked?
Check the pasta for doneness a minute or two before the package instructions indicate. It should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente).
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes! While ditalini pasta is a wonderful choice for this dish, you can use any small pasta shape, such as elbow macaroni or small shells, to achieve similar results.
Pasta and Beans
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 cup quartered carrots
- 2 15 oz cans cannellini beans rinsed and drained
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 dried leaf bay leaf
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon dried parsley
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and quartered carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes until onions are translucent.
- Add rinsed cannellini beans, tomato sauce, bay leaf, dried basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper, red pepper flakes, vegetable broth, and water. Stir well.
- Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and add dry ditalini pasta. Cook for half the package time, stirring regularly to prevent sticking.
- Remove bay leaf before serving. Serve warm.