Description
This comforting Italian stew is a classic, rustic dish that brings the warmth of traditional home cooking into your kitchen with minimal cleanup. By simmering cannellini beans, aromatics, and pasta in a single pot, you create a velvety, protein-rich meal that is both healthy and deeply satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty stew tastes even better as leftovers and provides a balanced blend of plant-based protein and complex carbohydrates that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 pound dried cannellini beans (soaked overnight)
8 cups vegetable broth or water
2 1/2 tablespoons salt (divided)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 large yellow onions, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
3 carrots, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 cups ditalini or small shell pasta
2 cups chopped kale or spinach
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
Drain the soaked beans and set aside.
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add onions, celery, and carrots; cook until softened, about 8 minutes.
Stir in garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the drained beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until beans are nearly tender.
Add the pasta directly into the pot and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the kale or spinach and cook until wilted.
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Top with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
Soaking the beans overnight is highly recommended for the best creamy texture. If you are short on time, you can use canned cannellini beans, but reduce the liquid by 2 cups and cook for a shorter duration. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the pasta will continue to absorb broth, so add a splash of water when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 0mg