Imagine a cozy winter evening where comfort meets nutrition in one incredible dish! This Winter White Bean and Kale Pasta is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, soul-warming experience. Perfect for those chilly nights when you want something quick, nutritious, and absolutely delicious, this recipe will become your new go-to comfort food that's both satisfying and surprisingly healthy.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (your choice)
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the kale by washing thoroughly and removing tough stems. Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add drained and rinsed white beans to the skillet. Gently stir and cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
- Add chopped kale to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to wilt and become tender.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the beans and kale. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Serve hot, garnishing each portion with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy liquid helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- Kale Preparation: Remove the tough stems from kale to ensure tender, easy-to-eat greens. Chopping into bite-sized pieces helps distribute the flavor evenly.
- Garlic Technique: Be careful not to brown the garlic - 30-45 seconds of sautéing is perfect to release its flavor without turning bitter.
- Bean Tip: Thoroughly rinse canned white beans to reduce sodium and remove any metallic taste.
- Cheese Enhancement: Freshly grated Parmesan makes a huge difference. Grate it right before serving for maximum flavor and aroma.
- Spice Adjustment: Customize the red pepper flakes to your heat preference. Start with less and add more if you like a spicier dish.
- One-Pan Convenience: This recipe minimizes cleanup by using just a pot for pasta and a skillet for the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
