WHITE BEAN AND SPINACH PASTA BOWL
This White Bean and Spinach Pasta Bowl is a satisfying and nutrient-rich dish that is both easy to make and full of flavour; it combines tender whole wheat pasta with creamy white beans and fresh spinach. Use salt and pepper for taste. This meal provides an outstanding balance of protein, fibre and essential vitamins. The garlic-infused olive oil enhances the flavours, creating a light yet delicious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. This dish is ideal for a quick lunch or dinner, offering a healthy and comforting option without the need for heavy ingredients. It’s also highly customisable, allowing for additional herbs, vegetables or even a sprinkle of cheese for extra depth. Whether you’re looking for a simple plant-based meal or a nourishing side dish, this white bean and spinach pasta bowl is an excellent choice for any occasion.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch, Dinner, Entrée, Side
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Italian
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Boil, Sauté, One-Pot Wonders, Quick & Easy
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Weeknight Meal, Potluck, Family Dinner, Light Lunch, Spring, Summer
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegetarian, Vegan, Healthy, High Fibre, Low Cholesterol, Low Fat, Quick & Easy
DISH TYPE
Pasta
INGREDIENTS
There are the following ingredients for the White Bean and Spinach Pasta Bowl:
- 50g canned white beans, drained
- 50g whole wheat pasta, cooked
- 50g fresh spinach
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fibre: 6g
- Sugars: 2g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat:5g
- Sodium: 110mg
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of White Bean and Spinach Pasta Bowl:
- Cook The Pasta: Boil the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat The Olive Oil: In a pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté The Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add The White Beans: Stir in the drained white beans and sauté for another minute, allowing them to absorb the garlic flavour.
- Incorporate The Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the pan and stir until wilted.
- Combine With Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing everything together to coat the pasta with the oil and flavours evenly.
- Season To Taste: Sprinkle with salt and pepper, adjusting as needed.
- Serve And Enjoy: Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy warm.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
10 minutes
TIPS
Here are some tips for the preparation of White Bean and Spinach Pasta Bowl:
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly firm pasta holds up better when mixed with other ingredients.
- Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts quickly and blends well with the pasta, but frozen spinach can also work if properly drained.
- Mash Some Beans: Lightly mashing a portion of the white beans creates a creamy texture without adding dairy.
- Infuse More Flavour: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Choose A Good Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the overall taste.
- Add Herbs For Freshness: Toss in fresh basil or parsley for extra flavour.
VARIATIONS
- Protein Boost: Add grilled tofu, tempeh or chickpeas for additional protein.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap whole wheat pasta for a gluten-free alternative.
- Extra Vegetables: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
- Creamier Version: Stir in a spoonful of hummus or cashew cream for extra creaminess.
- Zesty Flavour: Add lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh citrus boost.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or olive oil.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the spinach and pasta may lose their texture when thawed.
- Meal Prep Tip: Cook the pasta and prepare the bean mixture separately, then combine just before eating for the best texture.