Beans & Spinach Pasta – A Comforting Italian Classic

Hearty, Wholesome & Full of Nostalgia 🍃

Today’s lunch isn’t your usual soup—it’s a rustic first course that takes us back to Nonna’s Sunday table.

Beans & Spinach Pasta is the perfect harmony of creamy cannellini beans and tender spinach, all tossed with pasta in a savory broth.

Simple, nutritious, and deeply comforting, this dish is an ode to timeless family traditions and flavors that warm the soul. 💚

💖 Why Nonna Loves This Recipe

• Full of nostalgia – It tastes like Sunday lunches from her childhood.
• Simple but satisfying – Made with pantry staples and fresh greens.
• Perfect for feeding a crowd – Delicious, filling, and budget-friendly.
• Loaded with nutrients – Beans and spinach are a powerhouse combo.

⏳ Cooking Time

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4 portions

🛒 Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 2 2/3 cups (320 g) sedanini pasta or other short pasta

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups (660 g) canned cannellini beans (with liquid) or cooked dried beans
• 5 1/3 cups (400 g) fresh spinach leaves, cleaned
• 4 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2/3 white onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 2/3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt, to taste

🍽️ Method: Step-by-Step

1. Clean the Spinach:
   • Soak spinach leaves in plenty of cold water.
   • Rinse multiple times to remove all impurities. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a pan, heat olive oil.
   • Add chopped onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté until softened.
   • Add cannellini beans with their preserving water. Stir for a few minutes, then turn off the heat.
3. Cook the Pasta and Spinach:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add spinach to the boiling water and cook until wilted.
   • Once boiling resumes, add pasta and cook according to package instructions.
4. Combine & Finish:
   • During the last 5 minutes of pasta cooking time, add the sautéed bean mixture.
   • Stir everything gently together and cook until pasta is al dente.
5. Serve:
   • Ladle into bowls and drizzle with a touch of olive oil if desired. Buon appetito! 🍽️

🧾 Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

🧠 Tips & Tricks

• Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a twist.
• Use dried cannellini beans soaked overnight for a richer flavor.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• A splash of lemon juice before serving brightens the dish beautifully.
• Save some pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.