Golden Brothy Pasta with Beans

Saucier than your average pasta dish but not quite brothy enough to be a soup, this one-pot pasta dish makes for a delicious midweek dinner. Inspired by pasta e fagioli, it’s both hearty and healthy, largely thanks to the protein-packed beans and fibre-dense green beans.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Key Ingredients
• Italian Inspiration: Pasta e Fagioli
• Beans: Nutritious and Delicious
• The Magic of Saffron
• Serving Suggestions
• More Pasta Inspo

Introduction

This brothy pasta recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish that strikes the perfect balance between pasta and soup. This one-pot meal is inspired by the classic Italian pasta e fagioli. It’s packed with protein from the cannellini beans and fibre from the green beans. It’s an ideal choice for a nutritious midweek dinner that’s both hearty and healthy. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special, starting with a breakdown of the ingredients.

Key Ingredients

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a rich, fruity flavour and is used to sauté the vegetables and cook the green beans.
• Onion: Finely diced and cooked until softened to form a flavourful base.
• Garlic: Thinly sliced and sautéed with saffron to add depth to the dish.
• Saffron: Adds a unique, aromatic flavour and a beautiful golden colour to the broth.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Provide a sweet and tangy flavour. I’ve used yellow datterini tomatoes but any cherry tomatoes work.
• Cannellini Beans: A protein-packed addition that adds creaminess and heartiness to the dish.
• Chicken or Vegetable Stock: Forms the base of the broth, adding depth and richness.
• Dried Pasta: Small pasta shapes like malloreddus work best, cooking directly in the broth to absorb all the flavours.
• Green Beans: Chopped and charred for a tender-crisp texture and a slightly smoky flavour.
• Red Chilli: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Torn and stirred in at the end for a burst of fresh, herbal flavour.
• Parmigiano Reggiano: Grated and stirred into the pasta for a rich, umami kick.

Italian Inspiration: Pasta e Fagioli

Golden Brothy Pasta with Beans is inspired by the classic Italian dish pasta e fagioli, which translates to “pasta and beans.” This traditional dish is a staple in Italian cuisine, known for its comforting and hearty nature. Pasta e fagioli typically consists of small pasta shapes and beans cooked in a savoury broth, often with the addition of vegetables and herbs. This recipe pays homage to the Italian original while adding a unique twist with saffron and green beans.

When it comes to choosing the pasta shape for this dish, small shapes like malloreddus, ditalini, or orzo work best. These shapes cook quickly and evenly in the broth, absorbing the rich flavours without becoming mushy. The small size of the pasta also ensures that each spoonful has a perfect balance of pasta, beans, and broth, creating a cohesive and satisfying mouthful.

Beans: Nutritious and Delicious

Cannellini beans are a fantastic addition to this dish, providing protein and a creamy texture that complements the pasta and broth. Beans are a such versatile ingredient. You can use them in so many different ways and dishes, from soups and stews to salads and dips. In this recipe, the beans add heartiness and nutrition, making the dish both filling and healthy.

Beans are rich in protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious powerhouse. They support digestive health, help maintain steady blood sugar levels, and provide sustained energy. Incorporating beans into your diet is a great way to boost your intake of plant-based protein and fibre. You can also experiment with other types of beans, such as butter beans or chickpeas, to vary the flavours and textures.

The Magic of Saffron

Saffron is one of the key ingredients that sets this dish apart and what makes it “golden”. Known as the world’s most expensive spice, I promise it’s worth its price. You only need little, but it adds a distinctive flavour and vibrant golden colour to the broth. The saffron threads are sautéed with garlic to release their full flavour and aroma, creating a deeply aromatic base for the dish. This luxurious spice elevates the simple ingredients, making the dish feel special and indulgent.

Saffron not only adds a beautiful colour to the broth but also imparts a subtle, earthy flavour that enhances the overall taste of the dish. Its unique flavour profile pairs perfectly with the sweet cherry tomatoes and the rich, savoury broth, creating a harmonious and well-balanced dish.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is best served with a generous sprinkle of grated parmigiano reggiano and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Pair it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth, and a simple green salad for a complete meal. You can enjoy this dish as a main course or as a very, very hearty starter (“prime” in Italian).

For an extra touch of freshness, you can garnish the dish with additional fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon juice. The citrusy brightness will complement the rich flavours of the broth and enhance the overall dining experience. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more red chilli or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

More Pasta Inspo

If you’re looking for more hearty pasta dishes, why not try one of these recipes?

• Harissa Pasta with Chickpeas: This delicious and satisfying recipe offers a spicy twist on the classic Italian pasta e ceci, perfect for a cosy meal with a kick.
• Sausage Vodka Pasta: This sausage vodka pasta is a delicious twist on a classic favourite, bringing together the rich, savoury notes of sausage with a creamy, velvety vodka-infused tomato sauce.
• Creamy Brown Butter Pumpkin Pasta: This might just be the ultimate autumn comfort food. Pumpkin purée gets cooked down in brown butter, before being combined with mascarpone, parmesan and warm spices to make the most delicious pasta sauce.

Golden Brothy Pasta with Beans is the perfect balance of flavours and textures, making it an ideal choice for a nutritious midweek dinner. So gather your ingredients, heat up your saucepan, and enjoy this comforting and flavourful dish.