This bright and satisfying pasta dish brings together the earthiness of white beans with the sweetness of red peppers and the freshness of lemon zest. The addition of wilted greens adds a nutritious, tender texture that complements the al dente pasta perfectly. Garlic infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic depth, while a splash of olive oil and lemon juice ties all the flavors together into a cohesive, restaurant-quality meal. It is an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch that feels indulgent yet healthy. The combination of textures&# 226;ÂÂcreamy beans, tender pasta, and crisp-tender greensâÂÂmakes this recipe a reliable favorite for vegetarians and vegans alike. Serve it simply to let the natural flavors of the ingredients shine through.
Pasta W/Red Peppers, Greens, Beans, Garlic & Lemon Zest
Description
This bright and satisfying pasta dish brings together the earthiness of white beans with the sweetness of red peppers and the freshness of lemon zest. The addition of wilted greens adds a nutritious, tender texture that complements the al dente pasta perfectly. Garlic infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic depth, while a splash of olive oil and lemon juice ties all the flavors together into a cohesive, restaurant-quality meal. It is an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch that feels indulgent yet healthy. The combination of textures&# 226;ÂÂcreamy beans, tender pasta, and crisp-tender greensâÂÂmakes this recipe a reliable favorite for vegetarians and vegans alike. Serve it simply to let the natural flavors of the ingredients shine through.Ingredients
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
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Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
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In a large skillet, sauté chopped red peppers and minced garlic in olive oil until softened.
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Add the white beans and greens to the skillet, tossing until the greens begin to wilt.
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Toss the drained pasta with the bean and pepper mixture, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
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Stir in lemon zest and juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve immediately while hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 39.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.1g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 0.3mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 8.4g3%
- Dietary Fiber 0.1g1%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 0.8g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Use canned or dried white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans). If using dried, ensure they are fully cooked before adding to the skillet.
Greens can be substituted with spinach, kale, or arugula. Tougher greens like kale should be added earlier to soften properly.
Roasted red peppers from a jar work well for convenience, but fresh roasted peppers offer a deeper flavor.
For a richer texture, mash a portion of the beans against the side of the skillet before adding the pasta.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
