Natchez Trace Pasta
A vibrant pasta dish featuring tender white beans, roasted red peppers, and Swiss chard, infused with lemon and garlic for a fresh, wholesome flavor ideal for vegetarian meals.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup white beans, soaked in water overnight ⓘ
- 1/3 cup vegetable stock ⓘ
- 2 red bell peppers, cut into 1/2-inch strips
- 4 cups Swiss chard, washed and cut into 1/2-inch strips
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 pound spiral noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse the soaked white beans, then place in a saucepan and cover with 2 cups of cold water. Add the bay leaf and 2 minced garlic cloves.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until the beans are tender, about 45 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the spiral noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, sauté the red bell peppers and remaining garlic in a little oil until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cooked beans (without bay leaf), Swiss chard, vegetable stock, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook until the chard is wilted and heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice, then combine the vegetable mixture with cooked pasta. Toss well and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using smoked paprika when sautéing the vegetables. If you don't have Swiss chard, kale or spinach can be great substitutes. To cut down on cooking time, canned beans can be used; just rinse and add them directly to the skillet when adding the other vegetables. This dish also works well with gluten-free pasta if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Natchez Trace Pasta warm, topped with freshly grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a vegan option. It pairs beautifully with a side of Tabooley (Lebanese Wheat Salad) or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. This dish is perfect as a main course or as a hearty side for grilled proteins.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable stock or water to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Natchez Trace Pasta contains roughly 385 calories, with 17g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (124% of the Daily Value), iron (85% of the Daily Value), and calcium (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1783mg per serving (78% 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 use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spiral noodles work well, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to achieve your desired texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Natchez Trace Pasta is great for meal prep! It holds up well in the fridge and can be easily reheated. Just make sure to store the pasta and vegetable mixture separately if you plan to keep leftovers for more than a day to maintain the pasta's texture.
What can I add to make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. You can also serve with a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
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).