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Kale and White Bean Pasta with Parmesan

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  • Author: She Likes Food
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

If you’re looking for a cozy pasta recipe that’s packed with veggies and protein, this Kale and White Bean Pasta with Parmesan is for you! This easy vegetarian dinner may look simple, but it’s packed with flavor and great for a last minute weeknight dinner made with pantry staples. Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb pasta, bite size works great for this recipe
  • 1 bunch curly kale, about 4–5 cups
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 yellow onion, diced
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
  • Juice of 1 lemon, plus more for serving if desired
  • 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, like the kind you put on pizza
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste

Crispy Topping

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water and place over high heat with the lid on.  Once water comes to a boil, add in a big pinch of salt and the pasta.  Cook according to package directions, drain pasta and add it back to the pot.
  2. While pasta is cooking, prepare the kale and white beans.  Remove the stems from the kale leaves, wash thoroughly and pat dry.  Heat a large pan over medium heat and add in 1 tablespoon olive oil and diced onions.  Allow onions to cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
  3. Next, add in the kale, garlic, salt and pepper.  Mix everything together and cook until kale has wilted and garlic is cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.  Add in the white beans and lemon juice and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through.
  4. Add the kale and white beans to the cooked pasta and then add in the parmesan cheese.  I also like to add in about 1 tablespoon olive oil and some red pepper flakes.  Mix everything together well and season with salt, to taste.  It may seem strange to some, but I like adding in a little tamari, or soy sauce, instead of salt sometimes because it adds a salty flavor while also helping to make a sauce for the pasta.
  5. Make the crispy garnish.  Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon butter, 3/4 cup chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, pinch of salt and about 1 teaspoon dried or fresh thyme leaves.  Mix everything together and cook for just a couple of minutes, until the panko and walnuts are toasted and browned.  You will want to keep a close eye on it and stir frequently.
  6. Add the pasta to serving bowls and top each portion with some of the crispy garnish and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.  Enjoy!

Notes

I like to use tamari or soy sauce in place of salt in some pasta recipes because it adds a salty flavor while also adding liquid to help make a sauce.  I usually add a little extra regular salt as well.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Category: Dinner, Vegetarian
  • Method: Stove top
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://www.shelikesfood.com/kale-and-white-bean-pasta/