Broccoli Rabe, White Bean & Fontina Pasta
Use any vegetable in place of pungent broccoli rabe to make this a family-pleaser. Make it a Meal: round out the meal with a fresh salad of cherry tomatoes and cucumbers tossed with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
4 servings, 1 1/2 cups each
Ingredients
-
8 ounces whole-wheat shells, fusilli or chiocciole
-
1 large bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces, or 8 cups baby spinach
-
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth, or reduced-sodium chicken broth
-
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
-
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 19-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed
-
2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
-
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
-
1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese
-
2/3 cup Toasted Breadcrumbs, optional (see Tip)
Directions
1.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, according to package directions. Stir in broccoli rabe (or spinach) during the last 2 to 3 minutes. Drain. Dry the pot.
2.
Whisk broth and flour in a small bowl until smooth. Heat oil in the pot over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the broth mixture and bring to a simmer, whisking constantly, until it thickens, 3 to 4 minutes. Add beans, vinegar, salt and pepper and the pasta and broccoli rabe (or spinach). Cook, stirring, until the mixture is heated through, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat; add cheese, stirring until it melts. Serve immediately, topped with Toasted Breadcrumbs, if using.
Tip:
Tip: To make toasted breadcrumbs, trim the crusts from 2 slices of whole-wheat sandwich bread. Tear the bread into pieces and process in a food processor into coarse crumbs. Toss breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Cook in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until golden and crisp, 3 to 5 minutes.
Nutrition information
Calories 444, Total Fat 13 g, Saturated Fat 4 g, Monounsaturated Fat 7 g, Cholesterol 16 mg, Sodium 750 mg, Carbohydrate 70 g, Fiber 13 g, Protein 23 g, Potassium 441 mg. Daily Values: Vitamin A 150%, Vitamin C 170%, Calcium 20%, Iron 25%. Exchanges: Starch 4,Vegetable 1,Medium-Fat Meat 1.5,Fat 1.5.
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Add Your Review
Recommended Recipe:
Mock Risotto
Risotto is hardly effortless fare, what with all that stirring over a hot stove. But instant brown rice and creamy Neufchatel cheese can make a nutty, rich, stand-in version that's sure to be a family favorite. Substitute any vegetables you wish for the asparagus and bell pepper. Make it a Meal: Paired with a salad, this is a perfect vegetarian main course, or serve as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak.
See Recipe

