Black Bean Pasta
A vibrant black bean pasta dish featuring garlic, lime, and fresh herbs, perfect for a lively, nutritious, and satisfying meal suited for casual or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. uncooked bowtie pasta ⓘ
- 6 to 8 garlic cloves, diced ⓘ
- 1/4 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 2/3 c. fresh Key lime juice ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sherry
- 2 c. sliced green onions
- 1 lb. plum tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. grated Key lime rind ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain, and keep warm.
- Saute garlic in olive oil in a skillet until tender.
- Add lime juice and sherry, cook over high heat for 5 minutes or until the mixture is reduced to 1/4 cup.
- Add green onions and chopped tomato, cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
- Stir in black beans, salt, pepper, and grated lime rind.
- Pour the mixture over the cooked pasta and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free bowtie pasta. If fresh Key limes are unavailable, regular limes will work as a substitute. You can also enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or incorporating diced bell peppers for extra texture. This dish pairs well with a side of Sliced Tomatoes for a refreshing contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant Black Bean Pasta with a sprinkle of additional parsley for freshness. It pairs excellently with a light salad or grilled vegetables, making it a perfect option for a summer meal. Consider complementing it with Mediterranean recipes for a full dinner experience, including warm pita bread or a side of Marinated Olives.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of olive oil or water to keep the pasta from drying out, and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Bean Pasta contains roughly 699 calories, with 56g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (256% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (189% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2291mg per serving (100% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce in advance. Store them separately to prevent the pasta from getting soggy. When ready to serve, simply combine and heat the sauce before tossing it with the pasta.
What can I use instead of black beans?
If you don't have black beans on hand, you can substitute with kidney beans or pinto beans. Both will provide a similar texture and flavor profile, making them suitable alternatives.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this Black Bean Pasta is entirely vegan as it contains no animal products. It’s a great option for those following a plant-based diet while being flavorful and filling.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).