Pin A festive, wholesome pasta dish featuring creamy white beans, hearty kale, and aromatic herbs—perfect for a nourishing holiday meal.
This recipe has become a holiday favorite at our house, bringing everyone together around the table with its comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g whole wheat penne or rigatoni
- Beans & Vegetables: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped, 3 garlic cloves minced, 2 x 400 g cans cannellini beans drained and rinsed, 1 large bunch curly kale stems removed leaves chopped (about 200 g), 10 sun-dried tomatoes (in oil) sliced, 150 g cherry tomatoes halved
- Herbs & Seasoning: 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano thyme rosemary), 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Finish: Zest of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 30 g grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) pasta cooking water Drain and set aside
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent
- Step 3:
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant
- Step 4:
- Stir in the cannellini beans and sun-dried tomatoes Cook for 2–3 minutes stirring gently
- Step 5:
- Add the chopped kale and cherry tomatoes Season with Italian herbs red pepper flakes salt and pepper Sauté for 5–6 minutes until kale is wilted and tomatoes soften
- Step 6:
- Add drained pasta to the skillet Toss to combine adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess
- Step 7:
- Stir in lemon zest lemon juice and Parmesan Mix well until everything is coated and heated through
- Step 8:
- Serve hot garnished with extra Parmesan if desired
Pin Our family loves making this dish together during the holidays filling the kitchen with delicious aromas and laughter.
Required Tools
Large pot Large skillet Colander Chefs knife Wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese) and gluten (whole wheat pasta) Use gluten-free pasta and vegan cheese if needed Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies
Nutritional Information
Calories 440 Total Fat 9 g Carbohydrates 71 g Protein 19 g
Pin This dish is perfect for festive gatherings and can be customized easily to suit dietary needs.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use a different type of green instead of kale?
Yes, spinach or Swiss chard can be substituted for a milder flavor and similar texture.
- → How can I make this dish vegan?
Omit the Parmesan or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.
- → What type of pasta works best?
Whole wheat penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well and add extra fiber to the dish.
- → Is there a way to add more protein?
Adding grilled chicken or chickpeas enhances the protein content while keeping flavors balanced.
- → What wines pair well with this pasta?
Crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complement the herbal and citrus notes perfectly.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
This pasta tastes best served fresh, but you can prepare components like beans and sautéed greens in advance.