Simple Bean Pasta

Simple Bean Pasta Recipe - Vegetarian Pasta with Kidney Beans

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Simple Bean Pasta is a hearty and delicious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Packed with protein and fiber from the kidney beans, this pasta dish is sure to satisfy your hunger and keep you feeling full and satisfied.

History

Bean pasta dishes have been a staple in many cultures for centuries. Beans are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and pasta dishes. This recipe takes the classic combination of beans and pasta and adds a creamy mushroom sauce for a delicious twist.

Ingredients

2 cups light kidney beans, cooked
1 tbsp canola oil
1 onion, chopped
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup peas (15.5 oz (439 g) can), drained
1 can (10 oz (283 g)) low-fat cream of mushroom soup
1 cup fat-free milk
3 cups cooked egg noodles
1 tsp black pepper

How to prepare

In a large pan, heat canola oil. Add onion and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently.
Over medium-high heat, add carrots, celery, peas, cream of mushroom, and milk. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Stir in beans, noodles, and pepper.
Cook for 20 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for an extra protein boost.
Use different types of beans, such as black beans or chickpeas, for a different flavor profile.
Add your favorite herbs and spices, such as basil or oregano, for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onions until they are tender to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor.

- Simmering the vegetables in the cream of mushroom soup and milk helps to infuse the dish with rich and creamy flavors.

- Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Simple Bean Pasta with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender but still slightly crisp for the best texture.

- Simmer the pasta in the sauce for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta you have on hand, such as whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.

- Substitute the kidney beans with any other type of beans, such as black beans or cannellini beans.

Make Ahead Tips

This Simple Bean Pasta dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Simple Bean Pasta with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Simple Bean Pasta with a glass of white wine or a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 300

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g

Fats

Total Fat: 5g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Proteins

Protein: 12g

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 2mg

Calcium: 120mg

Alergens

Contains: Wheat, Milk

Summary

This Simple Bean Pasta dish is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.

Summary

Simple Bean Pasta is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Packed with protein and fiber, this pasta dish is sure to satisfy your hunger and keep you feeling full and satisfied. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold close to my heart. It was a sunny day in the early spring, the birds were chirping, and the scent of blooming flowers filled the air. I was visiting my dear friend Maria, who lived in a small village in the countryside. Maria was known for her delicious and simple recipes, and on that day, she decided to teach me how to make her famous Simple Bean Pasta.

As we gathered the ingredients in Maria's cozy kitchen, she shared with me the story behind the recipe. She learned it from her own grandmother, who used to make it for her family during the long winter months when fresh produce was scarce. The dish was hearty, comforting, and most importantly, frugal. It was the perfect meal to feed a hungry family on a tight budget.

Maria started by cooking some dried beans in a pot of boiling water. She explained that the key to a good bean pasta is to cook the beans until they are tender but still have a bit of bite to them. While the beans simmered away on the stove, Maria prepared the rest of the ingredients – garlic, onions, tomatoes, and pasta.

I watched in awe as Maria sautéed the garlic and onions in olive oil until they were golden and fragrant. The scent filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. Next, she added the chopped tomatoes and let them simmer until they formed a thick and luscious sauce. Finally, she added the cooked beans and let everything cook together for a few more minutes to let the flavors meld.

The last step was to cook the pasta until it was al dente, then toss it with the bean and tomato mixture. Maria added a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top and a drizzle of olive oil to finish. The dish looked simple yet elegant, and I couldn't wait to taste it.

As we sat down to eat, Maria poured us each a glass of red wine and we toasted to good food and good friends. The first bite of the Simple Bean Pasta was pure bliss – the creamy beans, tangy tomatoes, and al dente pasta all melded together in perfect harmony. It was a dish that was greater than the sum of its parts, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

After that day, I made Simple Bean Pasta countless times for my own family and friends. It became a staple in my household, especially during the colder months when we needed something warm and comforting to fill our bellies. I added my own twist to the recipe, sometimes using different types of beans or adding a handful of fresh herbs from my garden. But the essence of the dish – simple, wholesome, and delicious – remained the same.

Years passed, and I continued to cook Simple Bean Pasta for my loved ones. It became a dish that was synonymous with home and love in my family. Whenever I made it, the memories of that sunny day in Maria's kitchen flooded back, and I felt grateful for the simple joys of good food and good company.

Now, as I pass on the recipe for Simple Bean Pasta to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will make it with the same love and care that I did. May it bring you warmth, comfort, and joy, just as it has done for me and my loved ones over the years. And remember, the best recipes are not just about the ingredients – they're about the memories and stories that come with them. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with laughter and love.