Rustic Escarole and Cannellini Bean Pasta Dinner

Ingredients

- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head escarole, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 4 slices crusty Italian bread
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces short pasta (like ditalini or penne)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large stovetop pot over medium heat.

2. Sauté Aromatics
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant.

3. Cook Escarole
Stir in the chopped escarole, cooking until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Incorporate Core Flavors
Add the diced tomatoes, red chili flakes, and white wine. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate and flavors to meld.

5. Simmer with Beans and Broth
Stir in the cannellini beans and broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

6. Cook the Pasta
In a separate pot, cook the short pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

7. Combine Pasta and Herbs
Add the cooked pasta, fresh parsley, and basil to the pot with the escarole mixture. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.

8. Finish with Lemon and Cheese
Stir in lemon juice, and then mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Toast the Bread
While the pasta mix simmers, toast the slices of crusty Italian bread until golden brown.

10. Serve
Serve the pasta mixture in bowls, topped with additional Parmesan if desired, alongside toasted bread for dipping.

Total Time

PT45M
45 minutes

Type of Dish

Dinner

Keywords

escarole pasta, cannellini beans, Italian dinner, hearty meal, rustic recipe, comfort food, vegetarian option, quick dinner, gourmet pasta, healthy dinner

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

2,400 total calories

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