Looking for a quick, nutritious meal that bursts with flavor? Look no further than this delightful Pasta with White Beans and Broccoli! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying Italian dish that’s not only easy on the wallet but also packed with protein and vibrant veggies. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe will have your taste buds dancing and your friends asking for seconds. Ready to dive into a bowl of goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (any type)
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli. Cut broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Drain and rinse the white beans, then add them to the skillet with the broccoli. Stir gently to combine and heat through.
- Once pasta is drained, add it directly to the skillet with broccoli and white beans. If the mixture seems dry, add some reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Serve hot, garnishing each portion with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Optionally, drizzle with additional olive oil if desired.
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While any type of pasta works, opt for whole grain or chickpea pasta for an extra nutritional boost.
- Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: To ensure your broccoli stays bright and crisp, avoid overcooking it. It should be tender yet still have a bit of crunch.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save that 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water! It’s a secret weapon for creating a silky sauce that brings all the ingredients together.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.
- Elevate with Seasoning: Experiment with additional herbs like red pepper flakes, oregano, or basil to enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
- Cheese It Up: For a creamier texture, mix in some ricotta cheese along with the Parmesan for a delicious twist.
- Make it Vegan: Simply omit the Parmesan or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative, and you’ve got a plant-based meal that’s just as satisfying!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 433kcal
Carbohydrates: 61g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
