Pasta With Beans And Garlic
A hearty pasta dish featuring beans, garlic, and celery with a savory broth, perfect for comforting meals and easily adaptable for vegetarians or meat-eaters alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slowly heat garlic in melted bacon fat, being careful not to burn it.
- When garlic has softened, add chicken broth and chopped celery. Cook until celery is soft.
- Cook pasta until done, then drain.
- Add white kidney beans to the celery mixture and heat through, do not drain the beans.
- Combine the bean and celery mixture with the drained pasta.
- Season with black pepper and salt to taste.
- Let sit for a while to allow flavors to blend before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using pancetta instead of bacon fat. You can substitute the ditalini with any small pasta shape, such as elbow macaroni or orzo, if preferred. To enhance the dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs like parsley for freshness. Make sure not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pasta With Beans And Garlic with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad dressed in vinaigrette or a bowl of Zuppa Toscanna Soup for a heartier option. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the pasta and prevent it from drying out. Warm in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Beans And Garlic contains roughly 727 calories, with 20g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value) and iron (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1710mg per serving (74% 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 beans in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute white kidney beans with other varieties like cannellini or garbanzo beans. Each type will add a slightly different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make the dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon fat and use olive oil for sautéing the garlic. Additionally, opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the depth of flavor.
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
Yes, you can freeze the Pasta With Beans And Garlic. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove, adding a bit of broth as needed.
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).