Beans and Green Pesto Pasta

When you asked me for more recipes for leafy greens,  I knew that I had to share this recipe. This is my go-to meal when I need dinner FAST. I probably eat it once a week. What’s even better is that it involves, not just one, but two super-foods: leafy greens and beans. You likely already know that leafy greens are chock-full of vitamin and minerals. Beans are a fantastic source of vegetarian protein and fibre. Note: this dish also makes a delicious cold pasta salad. Make extra and enjoy the leftovers for lunch or a picnic the following day.  

Ingredients

Noodles (Short noodles work well for pasta salad, e.g. penne)

Olive oil

1/2 onion

1 bunch leafy greens (e.g. kale, Swiss chard, spinach)

1 can cannellini beans (other beans or beans cooked from dry are fantastic substitutes)

Optional veggies: e.g. mushrooms, bell peppers

2 tablespoons pesto

Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling on top)

Directions

1.     Heat  water in a pot over high heat. When water comes to a boil, add the noodles. Cook until al-dente.

2.     In the meantime, finely chop the onion.

3.     In a large frypan on medium-low heat, add the oil and the onion. Cook slowly until the onions are soft – more than 5 minutes.

4.     In the meantime, wash and coarsely chop the greens. Discard any heavy, thick stalks. Chop any optional veggies. Drain and rinse the beans.  

5.     Add the optional veggies to the frypan and sauté until almost tender. Add the leafy greens, beans, and pesto. Cook, stirring often, just until the greens wilt. Do not over-cook the greens.  If the greens are a dull, olive-green they are overcooked and will taste bitter.

6.     Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the pan with your pesto veggies. Thoroughly mix the noodles in with the sauce.

7.     Serve, topping with parmesan cheese. 

Kristen Yarker, MSc, RD helps moms and dads support your picky kids to get good nutrition today…and instill a life-long love of healthy eating. After 7 years of moms asking for help with their eating too, Kristen created 40 Days to a Healthier, Happier You women’s weight loss program. Find out more at www.KristenYarker.com