Spaghetti with White Bean Sauce

Spaghetti with White Bean Sauce Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spaghetti with White Bean Sauce is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The creamy white bean sauce pairs perfectly with the al dente spaghetti, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Italian pasta dishes. White beans have been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, and this recipe combines them with classic pasta to create a unique and delicious dish.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red onion, finely chopped
0.5 red bell pepper, diced (0.25 inch)
3 celery stalks, diced (0.25 inch)
1 cup cooked white beans
1 cup vegetable stock or bean cooking liquid
0.25 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
0.5 tsp hot pepper flakes
salt and pepper
8 to 10 oz (283 g) spaghetti
1 to 2 oz (57 g) freshly grated romano cheese, for serving

How to prepare

Heat the olive oil in a nonstick frying pan.
Add the garlic, onion, bell pepper, and celery and cook over medium heat until soft but not brown, about 4 minutes.
Stir in the white beans and cook for 1 minute.
Add the stock or bean liquid, half of the parsley, pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste.
The sauce should be highly seasoned.
Simmer until the beans are quite soft, about 20 minutes.
Coarsely mash the beans with a fork.
Cook the spaghetti in a large pot with 4 qt (3.78 liters) of rapidly boiling salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes.
Drain well.
Meanwhile, bring the sauce to a boil.
Transfer the spaghetti sauce to a large shallow bowl and mix well.
Sprinkle the spaghetti with the remaining parsley and serve immediately with freshly grated cheese on top.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Stir in some fresh spinach or kale for extra greens.
Top with toasted breadcrumbs for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are soft but not browned to ensure a flavorful sauce.

- Mash the beans to your desired consistency - some prefer a smoother sauce, while others enjoy a chunkier texture.

- Season the sauce generously with salt, pepper, and hot pepper flakes for a flavorful kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Spaghetti with White Bean Sauce with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the spaghetti until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.

- Mash the beans with a fork to your desired consistency for the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta you prefer in place of spaghetti.

- Substitute cannellini beans or chickpeas for white beans.

Make Ahead Tips

The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat and toss with freshly cooked spaghetti when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Spaghetti with White Bean Sauce with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a light and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

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

Each serving of Spaghetti with White Bean Sauce contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spaghetti with White Bean Sauce contains approximately 50 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spaghetti with White Bean Sauce contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Spaghetti with White Bean Sauce contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten and dairy from the spaghetti and cheese. It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and dairy-free by omitting the cheese.

Summary

Spaghetti with White Bean Sauce is a nutritious and balanced meal, providing a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Spaghetti with White Bean Sauce is a delicious and nutritious meal that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in. With a creamy white bean sauce and al dente spaghetti, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Spaghetti with White Bean Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little kitchen. Maria was a fantastic cook, and her dishes always had a touch of magic that made them extra delicious.

On that particular day, Maria was preparing a simple yet flavorful pasta dish that she had learned from her grandmother. The aroma of garlic, onions, and herbs filled the air, and my mouth watered in anticipation as she stirred a pot of simmering white beans on the stove.

As I watched Maria work her culinary magic, I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe. She smiled warmly and handed me a tattered old recipe card that had been passed down through generations in her family. The card was worn and stained, a testament to the countless times it had been used to create this beloved dish.

Maria explained that the key to the dish was in the simplicity of the ingredients and the care taken in their preparation. She emphasized the importance of using good quality white beans, fresh herbs, and a generous amount of garlic to infuse the sauce with flavor.

I took the recipe card home with me, eager to recreate the dish in my own kitchen. As I gathered the ingredients and followed the instructions step by step, I could almost feel Maria's presence beside me, guiding me through the process with her expert hands.

The fragrance of the simmering white beans filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that sunny day in Maria's cozy kitchen. I added the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, allowing it to soak up the flavors and become coated in the creamy white bean mixture.

When I finally sat down to taste the finished dish, I was overwhelmed by the depth of flavor and the comforting warmth it brought to my soul. The creamy white bean sauce clung to the strands of spaghetti, creating a deliciously satisfying bite with every forkful.

From that day on, Spaghetti with White Bean Sauce became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I would often make it for family gatherings, potluck dinners, and quiet nights at home when I craved a simple yet satisfying meal.

Over the years, I have made my own adaptations to the recipe, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a decadent finish. But no matter how I tweak the dish, the heart and soul of the recipe remain the same, a tribute to Maria and her grandmother's culinary legacy.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe. It has brought me joy, comfort, and connection to my dear friend and her family's traditions. And for that, I will always hold Spaghetti with White Bean Sauce close to my heart, a cherished memory in every delicious bite.