White Bean Pasta Recipe
This vibrant and wholesome White Bean Pasta recipe is a perfect blend of fresh ingredients and simple flavors, ideal for a quick yet satisfying dinner. The combination of tender conchiglie pasta, creamy white beans, and a flavorful coriander-mint pesto sauce creates a delightful, vegetarian dish that’s both light and filling. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner for friends and family, this recipe brings the taste of Italian cuisine right to your table.
Ingredients for White Bean Pasta
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Conchiglie Pasta (or your choice of pasta) | 250 grams |
| White Beans | 1 cup |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 8 sprigs |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | 8 sprigs |
| Pine Nuts | 1/4 cup |
| Almonds (Badam) | 1/4 cup |
| Green Chilies | 2, chopped |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons (adjustable) |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | As required |
Instructions for White Bean Pasta
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Prepare the Pasta:
- Begin by bringing a medium stockpot of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook it according to the instructions on the packet, which should take about 30 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection, drain the water, reserving a little bit of the pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
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-
Cook the White Beans:
- While the pasta cooks, take your white beans and pressure cook them for about 2 whistles. Allow the pressure cooker to cool down naturally, then open it to check the beans. The beans should be soft and tender, ready to be mixed into the dish.
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Make the Coriander-Mint Pesto Sauce:
- For the pesto, combine the coriander leaves, mint leaves, pine nuts, almonds, green chilies, olive oil, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Blend everything into a smooth paste, adding a little olive oil if needed to reach the desired consistency.
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Combine Pasta, Beans, and Sauce:
- In a wide pan, mix the cooked pasta, the soft white beans, and the fresh coriander-mint pesto sauce. Stir well to ensure the sauce evenly coats the pasta and beans. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to help bring everything together.
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Serve:
- Serve the White Bean Pasta hot, garnished with a sprinkle of cheese (optional) for extra flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of Pizza Margherita for a complete and delicious Italian meal, perfect for a weekend dinner with friends and family.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 10g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
Tips for Success:
- Pasta Variety: While we used conchiglie pasta for its fun, shell-like shape, feel free to swap it with any pasta of your choice such as penne or fusilli.
- Adjusting the Sauce: The pesto sauce is highly customizable, so you can add more or less olive oil depending on your preference for creaminess.
- Extra Flavor: For those who love bold flavors, adding a handful of grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese on top just before serving will elevate the taste of the dish.
This White Bean Pasta is not only quick and easy to make but also a nutritious option for your weeknight meals. The white beans add a protein-packed punch, while the fresh herbs and nuts provide depth of flavor and texture. It’s a beautifully light yet satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy!
