Pasta with Green Beans (Pasta coi Fagiolini)
Category: First Course
Serves: 4
This traditional Italian pasta dish combines the satisfying texture of bucatini with the freshness of green beans and the rich flavor of tomato sauce. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that can easily become a family favorite. With just a few key ingredients, this dish brings out the best of Italian comfort food.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bucatini | 400g |
| Green beans (fagiolini) | 400g |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Tomato passata (tomato puree) | 500g |
| Shallot (scalogno) | 35g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 30g |
Instructions
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Prepare the sauce: Start by preparing the tomato sauce for the pasta. Begin by peeling and finely chopping the shallot. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, adding the shallots once the oil is hot. Sauté the shallots until they become tender and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Cook the green beans: While the shallots are cooking, rinse and trim the green beans. Once the shallots are softened, add the green beans to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The green beans should be tender but still have a slight crunch to them.
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Add the tomato sauce: Pour the tomato passata into the pan with the shallots and green beans. Stir everything together and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 10 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly, and the flavors will meld together.
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Cook the bucatini: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bucatini and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes, until al dente.
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Combine the pasta and sauce: Once the bucatini is cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Add the drained bucatini directly into the pan with the tomato sauce and green beans. If the sauce looks too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Toss everything together for a minute or so, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
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Finish and serve: Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the pasta and toss again. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. Serve the pasta with a sprinkle of extra black pepper on top for an added kick.
Tips:
- For a more vibrant dish, you can add a touch of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Feel free to substitute the bucatini with any pasta shape you prefer, such as spaghetti or penne.
- If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
This Pasta with Green Beans recipe is a wonderful blend of simple ingredients, creating a deliciously comforting meal. The green beans add a fresh crunch, while the tomato sauce brings a tangy richness that pairs beautifully with the bucatini. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this dish is sure to impress with its authentic Italian flavors. Enjoy!
