Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Greens, Beans, and Tomatoes
A hearty, pantry-friendly pasta featuring wilted spinach and creamy white beans
Why This Recipe Works
This hearty pasta relies on the robust texture of whole-wheat spaghetti to stand up to a braised sauce of spinach and creamy cannellini beans. Braising the greens in vegetable broth and tomato juices creates a savory liquid that perfectly coats every strand of noodle.
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat for the pasta.
Heat the oil and sliced garlic in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic slices are golden brown and crisp, about 3 minutes β remove them immediately with a slotted spoon to a small bowl and set aside so they do not become bitter.
Add the onion and a pinch of salt to the oil remaining in the pot. Cook over medium heat until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until the garlic is fragrant and the oil is slightly tinted by the flakes.
Stir in half of the spinach and cook until just wilted to make room in the pot. Add the remaining spinach, broth, and tomatoes, then cover and simmer over medium-low heat until the greens are very tender, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the beans and olives and keep the mixture warm over low heat while the pasta finishes.
Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook until al dente. Drain the noodles thoroughly, but do not rinse them.
Add the drained pasta and Parmesan to the Dutch oven with the spinach mixture. Toss over medium-low heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce coats the noodles and the cheese has melted into a light glaze.
Serve immediately, topped with the reserved garlic chips and a final drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
π½οΈ Complete the Meal
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this recipe?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The sauce can be prepared through step 5 up to a day in advance and reheated while the pasta boils.
What substitutions can I make?
- curly-leaf spinach: Lacinato kale can be used, though it will need more time to braise.