We have been trying to do meatless mondays for quite a while now. We have come to perfect this pasta dish over the past few months. It is quite adaptable and is a good way to clean out the refrigerator on a Monday night. It is definately worth it to make your own beans instead of using canned. They are firmer and stand out better with the pasta.
Monday Night Pasta (Pasta with Garlic and White Beans)
Serves 4-6
- 6-8 cloves of garlic or more, sliced very thin
- olive oil
- butter
- bag of cannelini beans, or any white beans (canned beans work just fine too)
- bunch of swiss chard, or broccoli, or broccoli rabe or whatever is left in the refrigerator
- vegetable broth or chicken broth
- salt, pepper, red pepper flakes if feeling spicy
- 1 lb of penne, rigatoni or whatever pasta you want
- parmesan cheese
Soak beans in a pot of water overnight. The next day drain them and rinse them. Boil in a pot with salt until tender.
In large saute pan, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil and a tablespoon or so of butter. Saute the garlic on very low heat making sure you don’t burn it. Take your time and get them nice and soft. Don’t be stingy on the olive oil. When the garlic is nice and soft, about 15 minutes, add the greens to the pan and saute them for a few minutes. Add a few splashes of broth and put a top on the pan to help the greens cook. After the greens wilt put the beans in and keep the pan on low.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta al dente or even a touch under al dente as it will cook a little bit more with the sauce. When pasta is done, drain the pasta but keep a cup of the pasta water. Once the pasta is drained, put it in with the beans and greens. Mix everything up and add enough pasta water to get it to a nice creamy consistency. Adding pasta water is a great trick that brings everything together. Add salt and pepper if you want and last but not least lots of parmesan. Serve and enjoy.
Eat On Edgecliff 