Spinach And Beans
A vibrant and hearty vegetarian dish combining sautéed garlic, fresh spinach, creamy beans, and pasta in a flavorful tomato and herb sauce. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, it offers a balance of savory, tangy, and herbal notes, complemented by Parmesan and fresh parsley for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 5 cloves garlic, smashed ⓘ
- 1 large bunch fresh spinach ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can cannellini beans ⓘ
- 1 large tomato, cubed ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can garbanzo beans ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil
- 1 cup elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1/2 cup white wine
- chopped fresh parsley
- crusty bread ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 6 to 8 quart pot, brown the smashed garlic in olive oil.
- Add the fresh spinach and steam with the cover on until wilted.
- Add the cannellini beans, garbanzo beans, cubed tomato, oregano, basil, and cooked elbow macaroni to the pot.
- Bring to a high simmer and add the white wine; cook until the wine boils off the alcohol, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Serve in bowls, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy with crusty bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing onions with the garlic. You can substitute the white wine with vegetable broth if preferred. If you want a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the dish. Additionally, feel free to use any type of beans you have on hand, such as kidney or black beans. This dish is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spinach and beans in bowls topped with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping and can be complemented with a light salad, such as a Sesame Tossed Salad, for a refreshing contrast. Consider serving it alongside a glass of white wine for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach And Beans contains roughly 389 calories, with 24g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), iron (68% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 671mg per serving (29% 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 frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach as a substitute. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before adding it to the pot. This will help maintain the right texture and flavor in the dish.
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost the protein content, consider adding cooked chicken, turkey, or tofu to the recipe. If you want to keep it vegetarian, adding extra beans or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can also enhance the protein level.
How do I make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply omit the grated Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. Additionally, ensure that the white wine you use is vegan-friendly, as some wines are clarified using animal products.
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).