To identify whole wheat pasta, make sure the first ingredient reads whole-wheat flour or look for the Whole Grains Council whole grain stamp.

Whole Grain Stamp
Pasta with Beans and Greens
Level: Intermediate Prep:  Yield: 12 servings
Total: 30 minutes Inactive:  Serving Size: ¾ cup

Ingredients

  • 1 (16-ounce) package whole wheat pasta
  • 2 medium onions
  • 1 medium carrot
  • 3 large cloves garlic
  • 2 pounds (1 large bunch) spinach or kale
  • 2 (15½-ounce) cans great northern, cannellini or lima beans
  • 2 tablespoons canola or olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
  • ¾ teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Cook pasta following package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
  2. While pasta is cooking, rinse, peel, and dice onions and carrots. Peel and mince garlic.
  3. Rinse greens more than once if needed to remove all grit. Remove tough stems. Chop coarsely.
  4. In a colander, drain and rinse the beans.
  5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic, carrot, onion, and greens. Cook until onions are soft.
  6. Add ½ cup reserved pasta water and seasonings. Cook until greens are tender.
  7. Add beans to greens. Add a little more reserved pasta water to make a sauce if needed.
  8. Add cooked pasta to beans and greens. Toss to combine. Cook until pasta is heated through, about 5 more minutes.

Cook's Note

  • For extra flavor, top with hot sauce or grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Use Swiss chard or any of your favorite hearty greens.
 

Nutrition Facts

12 servings per recipe
Serving size: ¾ cup
Calories 410 per serving

Contents % Daily Value
Total Fat 5g 6%
Saturated Fat 0.5g 3%
Trans Fat 0g  
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 340mg 15%
Total Carbohydrate 74mg 27%
Dietary Fiber 15g 54%
Total Sugars 3g  
Protein 23g  
Vitamin A 190%
Vitamin C 35%
Calcium  15%
Iron  50%
The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
 
Mazzullo, N. 2024, Pasta with Beans and Greens, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, Recipes

Extension Associated Contacts

Natalie Mazzullo
Natalie Mazzullo
 

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