Creamy White Bean Shells

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy White Bean Shells is a delightful dish that combines the comforting texture of pasta with the nutritious goodness of beans and vegetables. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavors that will please everyone at the table. The creamy sauce made from white beans gives this dish a rich texture while keeping it healthy. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

How to Make Creamy White Bean Shells

Ingredients :

• 2½ cups small shell pasta
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 5 cups broccoli florets, chopped stems, and leaves (keep stems separate)
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can cooked white beans, drained and rinsed
• ¼ cup vegetable broth, more as needed
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions :

1. Make the sauce: In a blender, combine the white beans, broth, lemon juice, olive oil, nutritional yeast, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the chopped broccoli stems and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes or until tender. Add the broccoli florets and leaves, along with a splash of water or vegetable broth. Cover and turn off the heat.
5. Allow the broccoli to steam for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender but still bright green.
6. Add the pasta to the skillet and stir in ¾ of the sauce, adding more broth if the sauce is too dry.
7. Season to taste with more salt, pepper, and lemon juice as desired. Portion into bowls.
8. Divide the remaining sauce onto each bowl. Top with toasted pine nuts and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

How to Serve Creamy White Bean Shells

Serve Creamy White Bean Shells warm in bowls with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top. Add a lemon wedge on the side for a zesty touch that enhances the flavors. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread.

How to Store Creamy White Bean Shells

To store leftovers, let the Creamy White Bean Shells cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Tips to Make Creamy White Bean Shells

• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or diet-specific option.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Adjust the seasonings to your liking by adding more lemon juice or nutritional yeast for a cheesier flavor.
• To save time, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

Variation

For a different twist, try using different beans such as cannellini or kidney beans. You can also replace the shell pasta with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the skillet.

2. What can I use instead of nutritional yeast?
If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can substitute it with grated parmesan cheese for a different flavor profile.

3. Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! The recipe is already vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients, including the white beans and nutritional yeast.