Description

This hearty Italian pasta and beans recipe combines beans, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful broth for a balanced and satisfying meal. Rich in fiber and protein, it is a comforting option that supports healthy eating while using simple pantry ingredients.

bowl of pasta with red sauce, cheese on top and piece of bread on side. Yellow silverware on the side.
Level: Easy Prep: 30 minutes Yield: 1 cup
Total: 30 minutes Inactive:  Serving Size: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 cans of beans (kidney, white beans, garbanzo, or pinto)
  • 10 garlic cloves, smashed and chopped
  • 2 large carrots, peeled, halved
    lengthwise if thick, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 4 tablespoons parmesan
  • 1 large sprig of fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary)
  • 5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1(15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 8 ounces (about 1½ cups) ditalini pasta
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 8 ounces green beans, cut into ½-inch pieces lengths, optional
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper

Directions

  1. In a slow cooker, combine the beans, garlic, carrots, celery, Parmesan rind, rosemary, broth, oregano, and garlic and onion powders.
  2. Cook on low until the beans are very tender, 6 to 7 hours or in a pressure cooker.
  3. Increase the heat to high. Mix in the tomato sauce, ditalini, tomato paste, and green beans. Season with 2 teaspoons of salt and pepper.
  4. Cover and cook until the pasta and green beans are just tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
  5. Remove and discard the rosemary stem and Parmesan rind. Serve with grated Parmesan on top.
 

Nutrition Facts

1 serving - 1 cup
Makes 5 cups
Calories 281.7 per serving

Contents % Daily Value
Total Fat 3.9g 5%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Trans Fat 0.1g  
Cholesterol 11.4mg 4%
Sodium 674.5mg 29%
Total Carbohydrate 49.9mg 29%
Dietary Fiber 8.7g 31%
Total Sugars 9.8g  
Incl. Added Sugars 0g 0%
Protein 14.9g  
Vitamin D 0mcg 0%
Calcium 121.3mg 9%
Iron 3.4mg 19%
Potassium 765.9mg 16%
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.
 
Gastelum, A., Shaw, W. 2026, HiFiber Dinner | Italian Pasta and Beans, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Recipes

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Angeline Jeyakumar
Angeline Jeyakumar
 

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Associated Programs

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Healthy Aging Initiative

Extension's Healthy Aging Initiative (HAI) connects you with the resources to navigate aging and its trends. Our programs are offered for adults over 50 and those who partner with them to provide care and support. We provide expert nutrition and physical activity training information for elders, caregivers and professionals. We have sponsorship options for tours and professional education, and we offer careers in aging exploration programs for students.