Ingredients

4 teaspoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves , peeled and minced
1 medium red bell pepper , washed , cored , seeded and chopped
2 lbs fresh greens ( spinach , kale , Swiss chard or escarole )
4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup vegetable stock
2 cans cannellini beans or ( 15 ounce ) cans other white beans , drained
8 ounces penne ( or other tubular pasta )
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Penne with Greens and White Beans is a hearty and nutritious pasta dish that brings together the goodness of fresh greens, creamy white beans, and flavorful pasta. It's an easy and quick recipe that can be prepared in under 30 minutes and served with a side salad or a slice of bread for a complete meal. The combination of greens and beans not only adds a great flavor and texture to the dish, but it also helps to boost the nutritional profile. This recipe has been designed to cater to those who are looking for a healthy, vegetarian, gluten-free, and easy-to-prepare dish that's perfect for lunch or dinner.

Instructions

1.In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3.Add the greens to the skillet, stirring occasionally until wilted, about 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle with balsamic vinegar and mix well.
4.Add vegetable stock, white beans and cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. Thin the sauce with reserved pasta water if necessary.
5.Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese before serving.

PROS

This Penne with Greens and White Beans recipe is a great source of fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals.
It’s also vegetarian, gluten-free and can be made vegan with omitting the parmesan cheese.

It’s easy to make and perfect for lunch or dinner on a busy day.

CONS

This recipe may not be suitable for those who don’t like bitter greens like kale or Swiss chard.
Escarole may be a good alternative since it’s less bitter.

It may also require a bit of effort to prep and chop the ingredients.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This recipe is packed with health benefits. Greens provide vitamins A, C, K, and folate, and white beans are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. The dish also contains healthy fats from olive oil and a range of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds thanks to garlic and bell pepper. Furthermore, the balsamic vinegar in the recipe has been linked to promoting healthy blood sugar levels and supporting digestion.

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