Penne Pasta With Cannellini Beans And Escarole

This is a great pasta dish. The hardest part of the whole recipe is cutting the escarole. It is fast, simple, and delicious! What more could you ask for? With a loaf of Italian bread, it goes a long way. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package of dry penne pasta
• 1 head escarole, chopped
• 1 (15.5 ounce) can of cannellini beans with liquid
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes with garlic and onion, drained
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water:
   Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta:
   Add the penne pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente.
3. Drain:
   Drain the pasta and set aside.

Prepare the Escarole

1. Wash Escarole:
   While the pasta is cooking, thoroughly wash the escarole under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit.
2. Chop Escarole:
   Chop the escarole into bite-sized pieces.

Cook the Vegetables

1. Heat Skillet:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil (optional) and heat.
2. Cook Escarole:
   Add the chopped escarole to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to wilt, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Beans and Tomatoes:
   Add the cannellini beans along with their liquid to the skillet. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with garlic and onion.
4. Season:
   Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.

Combine and Serve

1. Heat Mixture:
   Continue to cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Pasta:
   Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the vegetables and beans.

Final Touches

1. Adjust Seasoning:
   Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
2. Add Extra Flavor:
   Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the pasta for extra flavor before serving.
3. Optional Toppings:
   Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes on top for added flavor.

Serve

1. Plate the Dish:
   Transfer the pasta mixture to serving bowls or plates.
2. Serve Immediately:
   Serve immediately with a side of warm Italian bread.

Additional Tips

• Enhance the Flavor: To enhance the flavor, consider adding minced garlic to the skillet when cooking the escarole.
• Protein Boost: Add cooked Italian sausage or grilled chicken to the dish for extra protein.
• Herb Addition: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added for fresh flavor.
• Vegan Option: This dish is naturally vegan, but you can enhance its richness with a splash of olive oil or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

This Penne Pasta with Cannellini Beans and Escarole is a nutritious and satisfying meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Enjoy!