Imagine a dish that combines the heartiness of perfectly cooked pasta, the creamy richness of shell beans, and the vibrant nutrition of fresh greens - all in one mouthwatering meal that's ready in just 30 minutes! This Italian-inspired recipe is not just a quick weeknight dinner solution, but a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone who loves bold, satisfying flavors, this pasta dish is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 can shell beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups kale or spinach
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Add drained and rinsed shell beans to the skillet. Gently stir and warm the beans through, allowing them to absorb the garlic-infused olive oil.
- Add chopped kale or spinach to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until greens are wilted and tender, stirring occasionally.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Drain pasta in a colander.
- Add drained pasta directly to the skillet with beans and greens. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle with red pepper flakes for added heat and garnish.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally drizzling with additional extra virgin olive oil.
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to ensure your pasta is well-seasoned from the inside out.
- Don't overcook the garlic; 30-45 seconds is the sweet spot to release flavor without burning.
- Reserve pasta water before draining - the starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating a silky, cohesive sauce.
- Choose between kale or spinach based on your preference, but chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil before serving.
- If you want more protein, try adding some crispy pancetta or grilled chicken to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 449kcal
Carbohydrates: 64g
Protein: 15g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
