Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 16 oz Can of cannellini beans
• 8 oz Can of tomato sauce
• 1 cup Water
• 2 Cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 Tbs Olive oil
• 1/2 lb Elbow or ditalini macaroni, cooked al dente
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated cheese
• Italian bread (for serving)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a saucepan, fry the minced garlic in olive oil gently until it turns golden brown.
2. Add the tomato sauce and water to the saucepan. Cook the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Stir in the cannellini beans, being careful not to break them. Gently combine the beans with the tomato sauce.
4. Drain the cooked elbow or ditalini macaroni and add it to the bean mixture in the saucepan. Stir gently to coat the pasta with the sauce and beans. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and beans. This adds a burst of color and freshness to the dish.
6. Serve the Pasta and Cannellini Beans immediately, as the pasta can absorb the liquid if left too long. Optionally, sprinkle grated cheese on top for added flavor.
7. Serve the dish with slices of Italian bread to complement the flavors and enjoy the delightful combination of pasta, cannellini beans, and savory tomato sauce.

This quick and easy Pasta and Cannellini Beans recipe is a comforting and hearty Italian dish. The creamy cannellini beans and tomato sauce create a flavorful base for the pasta, while the fresh parsley adds a burst of brightness. Don’t forget to sprinkle some grated cheese for extra indulgence. Serve with crusty Italian bread on the side to complete the meal.

Here are some ideas to try:

1. Pasta e Fagioli Soup: Turn this dish into a hearty soup by adding vegetable or chicken broth to the tomato sauce and water mixture. Increase the amount of liquid, and add diced carrots, celery, and onions for a classic Italian pasta e fagioli soup.
2. Sausage and Cannellini Beans Pasta: Brown some Italian sausage in a separate pan and add it to the bean mixture before combining with the pasta. This addition adds a savory and meaty element to the dish.
3. Kale and White Beans Pasta: Saute chopped kale with garlic in olive oil until wilted and tender. Mix it with the cooked pasta and cannellini beans for a nutritious and flavorful variation.
4. Pasta with Cannellini and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes (either oil-packed or rehydrated) to the bean mixture for a sweet and tangy twist. Garnish with fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.
5. Mediterranean Pasta and Cannellini Beans: Mix in sliced Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and roasted red peppers to the pasta and bean combination. Drizzle with a lemon and olive oil dressing for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
6. Pasta with Cannellini and Spinach: Toss the cooked pasta and cannellini beans with fresh baby spinach leaves until wilted. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
7. Cannellini Beans and Tomato Basil Pasta: Stir in chopped fresh tomatoes and basil leaves to the pasta and bean mixture. The combination of tomatoes and basil provides a light and refreshing taste.
8. Cheesy Cannellini Bean Pasta: Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese to the pasta and bean mixture. Allow the cheese to melt and coat the pasta for a creamy and comforting variation.
9. Creamy Garlic Cannellini Bean Pasta: Make a creamy sauce by blending cooked cannellini beans with garlic, olive oil, and a splash of milk or cream. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce for a rich and flavorful dish.
10. Pasta with Cannellini and Pesto: Mix in a spoonful of pesto sauce to the pasta and bean combination for a burst of herbal and nutty flavors.