π Anne Marie’s Pasta With Beans π
What is it?
Anne Marie’s Pasta With Beans is a delicious and hearty Italian-inspired dish that combines pasta and beans with a flavorful sauce. It’s a comfort food classic that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
History:
The exact origin of this dish is unclear, but it likely has its roots in Italian cuisine. Pasta and beans have been staples in Italian cooking for centuries due to their affordability and versatility. This dish may have evolved from various regional recipes and family traditions, passed down through generations.
Components:
The key components of Anne Marie’s Pasta With Beans typically include:
- Pasta: Choose your favorite type, such as penne, spaghetti, or fusilli.
- Beans: Common choices are cannellini beans or kidney beans, which add a creamy texture and protein.
- Sauce: A rich tomato-based sauce with garlic, onions, and herbs.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautΓ©ing and drizzling.
Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing Anne Marie’s Pasta With Beans:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onions. SautΓ© until they become fragrant and translucent.
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Add Beans and Tomatoes: Stir in the drained cannellini beans and diced tomatoes with their juices. Season with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
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Serve: Plate the dish, garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for a finishing touch.
Preparation Time:
Anne Marie’s Pasta With Beans typically takes around 30-35 minutes to prepare, including both cooking the pasta and making the sauce. It’s a relatively quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
Enjoy your Anne Marie’s Pasta With Beans! ππ
Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Anne Marie’s Pasta With Beans:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving.
- Protein: Provides a moderate amount of protein, primarily from the beans and pasta.
- Carbohydrates: Rich in carbohydrates due to the pasta and beans, providing sustained energy.
- Dietary Fiber: A good source of dietary fiber, thanks to the beans and whole wheat pasta if used.
- Fat: Contains a small amount of fat, mainly from the olive oil and any cheese added.
- Sodium: The sodium content can vary based on the amount of salt added. You can adjust it to your preference.
Health Information:
- Protein: Beans provide plant-based protein, which is excellent for vegetarians and vegans. It also helps with muscle repair and growth.
- Fiber: The dish is high in fiber, promoting digestive health and helping to control blood sugar levels.
- Low Saturated Fat: It’s generally low in saturated fat, which is good for heart health.
- Minerals: Cannellini beans are a good source of essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium.
- Vitamins: The dish may contain vitamins like vitamin C from tomatoes and some B vitamins from pasta and beans.
- Antioxidants: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which can help protect cells from damage.
However, the specific nutritional values can vary depending on the type of pasta used, the amount of cheese added, and other ingredients. To get precise nutritional information, you can calculate it using a nutrition calculator or refer to the nutrition label if using packaged ingredients.
