Are you ready to elevate your pasta game with a delightful dish that’s as vibrant as it is nourishing? Introducing the "Pasta Baby Greens Beans Walnuts" – a perfect blend of al dente pasta, crisp green beans, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a light, garlicky olive oil sauce. This Italian-inspired recipe is not just a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe promises to deliver in just 35 minutes. Dive in and discover how easy it is to create a meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups baby greens
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, trim green beans and cut into 1-inch pieces. Chop walnuts coarsely and mince garlic finely.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add green beans to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become bright green and slightly tender.
- Toast chopped walnuts in the same skillet for 1-2 minutes until they become golden and release a nutty aroma, then remove from heat.
- Drain pasta and transfer immediately to the skillet with green beans. Add baby greens and toss everything together.
- If mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water gradually to create a light sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Garnish with toasted walnuts and serve immediately while warm, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for whole grain or gluten-free pasta to make this dish even healthier. The texture will hold up well against the greens and nuts.
- Don’t Overcook the Green Beans: Aim for a bright green color and a slight crunch. They should be tender but still have some bite to them.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is a secret ingredient! It helps create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta and vegetables.
- Toast the Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning – they only need a minute or two!
- Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix in other greens like spinach, arugula, or kale for added nutrition and flavor.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper! Seasoning at each step enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Serve Fresh: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently to avoid overcooking the greens.Enjoy your culinary adventure with this delightful recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
