Creamy Tuscan White Bean Kale Pasta
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Creamy Tuscan White Bean & Kale Pasta
Fancy a bit of Italy without breaking the bank? Or maybe you're trying to sneak some plant based meals into your weekly rotation? Honestly, this Creamy Tuscan White Bean & Kale Pasta is Easy Plant Based Dinner perfection, and it's about to become your new favourite.
Quick Hook
This Vegan Tuscan Pasta is proper lush. It's like a warm hug on a plate, packed with flavour. Think creamy, garlicky goodness with the earthiness of kale.
The best Plant Based Italian Recipes
Brief Overview
This recipe takes inspo from Tuscany. It brings the fresh flavours of Italy to your kitchen. It's an easy one no chef skills needed.
Perfect for a weeknight treat. It makes about 4 servings, so grab your mates!
Main Benefits
This dish is packed with fibre from the beans and kale. This is awesome for your gut. It is also fantastic comfort food.
Perfect for a chilly evening or when you need a bit of cheering up. Trust me, it's special!
Ready to find out how to make this magic happen? Let's crack on with the ingredients!
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Tuscan Treat
Right, let's get down to brass tacks! To whip up this Creamy Tuscan White Bean & Kale Pasta, a total plant based meals that even your meat loving mates will secretly adore, you'll need a few key bits and bobs.
Don't worry, nothing too cheffy. It's all pretty straightforward for one of the best Vegan Tuscan Pasta options that even picky eaters would enjoy.
Honestly, you don't need any fancy kit for this. This is proper plant based comfort food .
What You'll Need The Main Players
Here's the lowdown on the main ingredients. Measurements are given in both US and metric, because why not cover all bases?.
- Pasta: 1 pound (450g) dried pasta. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle all work a treat. Honestly, whatever you've got lurking in the cupboard will do.
- Cannellini Beans: 1 (15-ounce/425g) can, rinsed and drained. These are the stars of the creamy sauce. For a cannellini bean recipe vegan, quality is important: plump, creamy beans = better sauce.
- Kale: 1 bunch , stems removed and chopped. Aim for about 4 cups chopped. Fresh is best, but if you're in a pinch, frozen works. Just make sure to squeeze out the excess water. This easy plant based dinner will be a hit
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: ½ cup (80g) , oil-packed, drained and chopped. The oil-packed ones are best, they add a load of flavour. This is one of the best Mediterranean vegan recipes!.
- Olive Oil: I love a good extra virgin olive oil, the first cold press is a must.
Seasoning Shenanigans The Secret Sauce
Seasoning can make or break a dish, you know? For me I am a fan of Plant Based Italian Recipes and these simple additions elevates the dish.
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Don't be shy with the garlic!.
- Nutritional Yeast: 2 tablespoons . This is your secret weapon for a cheesy, vegan flavour.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon . Adds a zing and cuts through the richness.
- Dried Oregano: ½ teaspoon . A classic Italian herb that ties everything together.
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). For a bit of a kick!
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season generously, it makes all the difference.
If you don't have nutritional yeast for this kale pasta plant based , don't panic!. You can use a pinch of garlic powder or leave it out altogether.
Honestly, it will still be banging! For a truly easy plant based dinner , these options will keep you on track and avoid ingredient delays.
These easy weeknight vegan meals can easily become a staple in your home.
Kit You'll Need Nothing Too Flash
You don't need a load of fancy gadgets for this dish. Promise.
- Large Pot: For cooking the pasta. Nothing special needed, just a big ol' pot.
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is where the magic happens.
- Blender or Food Processor: For making the creamy sauce. If you haven't got one, a hand blender will do the trick.
That's it!. You're all set to create this Creamy Tuscan White Bean & Kale Pasta. Happy cooking!
Cooking Method: Tuscan White Bean Pasta Magic!
Want to whip up a bowl of plant based meals that's both healthy and seriously tasty? Let's dive into making my go-to Creamy Tuscan White Bean & Kale Pasta.
Honestly, even my meat loving mates are fans! It's one of those easy plant based dinner options that's perfect for a busy weeknight or even a casual get-together.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, get your ingredients sorted. This is called mise en place or everything in its place. Chop your kale, mince the garlic, and drain those cannellini bean recipes vegan .
Having everything ready will save you a ton of time. It will take you about 15 minutes to complete all the Prepping before Cooking.
step-by-step Process: Pasta Perfection
- Get your pasta cooking! Salt that water like the sea and boil it. Add 1 pound (450g) of pasta. Cook till al dente. Remember to save a cup of that starchy water.
- Sauté the garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Keep the heat on medium. Cook for about a minute. You just want it fragrant, not burnt!
- Blend the sauce. Combine the beans, ½ cup (120ml) broth, ½ cup (120ml) almond milk, 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth!
- Sauté the kale and sun-dried tomatoes in the skillet using 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook 4 cups of kale for 3- 5 minutes till wilted. Stir in ½ cup (80g) of chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Combine and simmer. Pour that dreamy sauce over the kale mixture. Simmer for 2- 3 minutes . This lets all the flavours get to know each other.
- Toss in your cooked pasta. Add pasta water till it's saucy.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Vegan Game
Want to make this vegan pasta recipes even better?
- Add a squeeze of lemon at the end. It brightens the whole dish.
- Don't overcook the kale! No one likes mushy greens.
This recipe delivers plant based comfort food in less than an hour, what could be better?
Recipe Notes: Nailing This Vegan Tuscan Pasta
Alright, let's talk about the ins and outs of this ridiculously tasty plant based meal ! Honestly, this Creamy Tuscan White Bean Pasta Recipe is pretty straightforward, but a few pointers can make it absolutely bangin' .
This is plant based comfort food at its finest, and I'm excited to share these tips.
Serving Suggestions: Make It Look Delish!
Presentation matters, you know? Don't just chuck it in a bowl. Plate it up nicely! Swirl that Kale Pasta Plant Based goodness in a shallow bowl.
Drizzle a little olive oil. Scatter some fresh basil. Bam! Restaurant worthy. I like to have a simple green salad alongside with a light vinaigrette.
And a hunk of crusty bread is mandatory for mopping up all that amazing sauce. To drink? Something crisp and cold maybe a nice glass of Vermentino.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Leftovers? If you're really lucky enough to have any, they'll keep in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.
When reheating, you might need to add a splash of water or plant based milk to loosen the sauce up a bit.
I wouldn't recommend freezing this easy plant based dinner because the pasta can get a bit mushy. But if you're desperate, go for it!
Variations: Make It Your Own!
Fancy a bit of a kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper when you sauté the garlic. Trust me, it works.
For a gluten-free version, just swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free stuff. Loads of options in the supermarkets now.
Feeling adventurous? Throw in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach with the kale. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies. No kale? I’ve used spinach before and it tasted great!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This isn't just tasty; it's actually good for you. We are talking about Mediterranean Vegan Recipes , you know. This dish is packed with fiber from the beans and kale.
It has plant based protein, and is relatively low in fat. One serving is about 450 calories. It contains roughly 20g of protein, 15g of fat and 65g of carbs.
This cannellini bean recipes vegan is a good source of healthy weeknight vegan meals !
Honestly, this Creamy Tuscan White Bean & Kale Pasta is a winner. It's simple enough for a weeknight, but fancy enough to impress your mates.
You'll love how easy it is to prepare these plant based Italian recipes . Have a go and let me know what you think!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Creamy Tuscan White Bean & Kale Pasta recipe actually vegan? I'm always a bit skeptical!
Absolutely! This recipe is entirely plant based. We've swapped out traditional dairy with creamy cannellini beans and plant based milk, and added nutritional yeast for that lovely cheesy flavour. So, tuck in without any worries it's a guilt free, vegan treat!
I'm new to plant based meals. Is this recipe easy enough for a beginner cook like me?
Definitely! This Creamy Tuscan White Bean & Kale Pasta is designed with beginner cooks in mind. It involves simple steps like cooking pasta, sautéing vegetables, and blending ingredients. Plus, there's plenty of room for error a bit more or less of something won't ruin the dish!
If you can boil water, you can nail this.
Can I make this Creamy Tuscan White Bean & Kale Pasta ahead of time, or is it best served immediately? What's the best way to store leftovers?
This dish is best served fresh to enjoy the perfectly al dente pasta and creamy sauce. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce up a bit, as it tends to thicken as it sits.
I don't have kale. Can I substitute it with something else in this plant based meal?
Of course! Spinach or Swiss chard make excellent substitutes for kale. Just keep in mind that spinach wilts a bit faster than kale, so you might want to add it towards the end of the cooking process. You could even use broccoli florets for a different, but equally tasty, flavour and texture.
Nutritional yeast sounds a bit odd. Is it really necessary, and what does it taste like? I'm trying to get my head around plant based meals.
Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast with a cheesy, nutty flavour it’s a game changer for plant based cooking! While not strictly necessary, it adds a wonderful umami depth to the sauce, making it taste richer and more satisfying.
If you don't have it, you can try adding a pinch of garlic powder or a splash of lemon juice to enhance the flavour.
I'm trying to cut down on carbs. Can I still enjoy this recipe?
Absolutely! You can reduce the portion of pasta and increase the amount of kale and other vegetables. You can also explore pasta alternatives like zucchini noodles ("zoodles") or lentil pasta, which have fewer carbs and more protein.
Just be mindful of the cooking time for the alternative pasta to ensure it doesn't get too soggy.
Creamy Tuscan White Bean Kale Pasta
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 15g |