Pasta Fusigle
A hearty and comforting pasta dish featuring creamy white kidney beans, tangy tomatoes, and tender macaroni, seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a pot, heat a little oil and add garlic powder; cook until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Add the canned tomatoes, salt, and pepper; stir and cook for a few minutes.
- Add the washed white kidney beans to the pot and let cook for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the ditalini macaroni until just tender, then drain.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the pot with the beans and tomato mixture; stir well.
- If it gets a little dry, add water as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Romano cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, which complement the flavors well. You can substitute canned white kidney beans with chickpeas if desired. Adjust the garlic powder to your taste, and for a kick, add red pepper flakes. This dish can also be enhanced with a splash of balsamic vinegar for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta dish hot, garnished with grated Romano cheese for a delicious finish. It pairs beautifully with Millie'S Salad for a refreshing side. For a complete meal, consider serving with crusty bread or a side of Sicilian Zucchini. A light red wine can enhance the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the pot and warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Fusigle contains roughly 465 calories, with 20g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1320mg per serving (57% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Just chop and cook them down until they are saucy, which may take longer than canned. You'll need about 2-3 cups of fresh tomatoes to replace one can.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This dish is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure the Romano cheese is omitted or replaced with a vegan cheese alternative if you're serving to vegans.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the ditalini macaroni with a gluten-free pasta variety. Many brands offer excellent gluten-free options that will work well in this recipe without compromising taste.
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).