Ga'S Pasta And Beans
A hearty Italian pasta and bean dish with fragrant herbs, garlic, and tomatoes, perfect for a comforting and wholesome meal suitable for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion and garlic in olive oil in a large pot.
- Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the sautéed mixture.
- Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add cannellini beans with 2 cans of water and bring to a slow boil for about 10 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes and 1 can of water, then cook for about 10 to 15 minutes longer.
- Add ditalini macaroni and cook until al dente.
- Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese and with warm Italian bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. If you don't have ditalini macaroni, you can substitute with any small pasta shape. For a vegetarian twist, use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the beans. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to incorporate seasonal vegetables or herbs from your garden.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ga'S Pasta And Beans with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for added richness. A side of warm Italian bread, like Focaccia (Italian Flat Bread), enhances the meal perfectly. Pair it with a light Tomato Salad(Insalata Di Pomodori) for a refreshing complement to the hearty pasta dish. This dish is also excellent for meal prep, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the pasta from becoming too dry and heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This dish also freezes well; just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ga'S Pasta And Beans contains roughly 1041 calories, with 21g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (98% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), and calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2907mg per serving (126% 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 vegan?
Yes, you can easily make Ga'S Pasta And Beans vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese or using a plant-based alternative. The dish is already loaded with flavor from the herbs and beans, ensuring it remains delicious without dairy.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
To boost the protein content, consider adding cooked chicken, sausage, or even diced tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also increase the amount of cannellini beans in the recipe to enhance the protein while keeping it plant-based.
What type of beans can I use besides cannellini?
While cannellini beans are traditional for this recipe, you can substitute with other white beans like great northern or navy beans. For a different texture and flavor, chickpeas can also work well, adding a nice contrast to the pasta.
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).