Hearty Vegetarian Pasta with Kidney Beans and Fresh Herbs
This delicious Hearty Vegetarian Pasta is a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and rich flavors, inspired by traditional Italian cuisine. With protein-packed kidney beans and a colorful medley of vegetables, this dish is not only satisfying but also incredibly nutritious. The addition of whole wheat pasta elevates the meal, providing extra fiber and a nutty taste. This recipe has been a favorite in my kitchen, where I love to experiment with various cuisines. I appreciate how my husband enjoys my home-cooked meals and frequently insists that I’m a better cook than many restaurants. Join me in creating this delightful dish that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, and feel the warmth of home-cooked goodness with every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
green onions
6 (chopped)
red onion or white onion
1 large (chopped)
garlic
4 cloves (minced)
mushrooms
225 g (sliced)
celery
2 stalks (chopped (include leaves))
green bell peppers or yellow bell peppers
2 medium (chopped)
kidney beans
1 (16 ounce) can (drained (or dried beans, soaked and cooked))
chopped tomatoes
450 g (none)
water
1 cup (none)
dry red wine
1/2 cup (or 2 cups vegetable stock)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (minced)
bay leaf
1 (none)
fresh oregano
1 tablespoon (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
fresh basil
1 tablespoon (or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
salt
to taste (none)
whole wheat pasta
350 g (uncooked)
mozzarella cheese
150 g (grated)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped green onions, red or white onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are softened and fragrant.
3
Stir in the mushrooms and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to release their moisture.
4
Add the chopped celery, bell peppers, and kidney beans to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes.
5
Next, add the chopped tomatoes, water, red wine (or vegetable stock), minced parsley, bay leaf, oregano, basil, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.
6
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
7
While the sauce simmers, cook the whole wheat pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions, omitting salt. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
8
Remove and discard the bay leaf from the sauce before serving.
9
Serve the hot sauce over the warm pasta, and keep the grated mozzarella cheese on the side for garnishing each individual plate.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Vegetarian Pasta with Kidney Beans?
It is a nutritious, Italian-inspired dish featuring whole wheat pasta, protein-rich kidney beans, and a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs.
Is this pasta recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian and meatless, making it a great option for a plant-based dinner.
Can I use dried kidney beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans provided they have been properly soaked and cooked before being added to the sauce.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 350 g of uncooked whole wheat pasta for its extra fiber and nutty flavor.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply omit the mozzarella cheese garnish or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How long does the vegetable sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 1 hour to allow the flavors of the vegetables, beans, and herbs to meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for the red wine?
If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute the 1/2 cup of wine with 2 cups of vegetable stock.
How many garlic cloves are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cloves of minced garlic to provide a rich flavor base.
What kind of onions should I use?
This recipe uses a combination of 6 chopped green onions and 1 large chopped red or white onion.
Are fresh herbs required for this pasta?
While fresh parsley, oregano, and basil are recommended, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil as substitutes.
Can I add different vegetables to the sauce?
Yes, you can easily customize the dish by adding other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
The recipe calls for 450 g of chopped tomatoes; peeling is not specified, so you can use them with the skin on for extra texture.
What is the purpose of the bay leaf?
The bay leaf adds a subtle depth of flavor to the sauce while it simmers; just remember to discard it before serving.
How should I prepare the mushrooms?
You should use 225 g of mushrooms, cleaned and sliced, before sautéing them with the onions.
When is the mozzarella cheese added?
The grated mozzarella cheese is kept on the side and used as a garnish for each individual plate.
Why should I rinse the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops the cooking process, preventing it from becoming mushy before it is combined with the hot sauce.
Is the celery leaves used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe suggests including the chopped leaves of the 2 celery stalks for added flavor.
Can I use yellow bell peppers instead of green?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 2 medium green bell peppers or yellow bell peppers.
How do I store leftovers of this dish?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this pasta sauce be frozen?
Yes, the vegetable and bean sauce freezes very well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is considered healthy as it features whole wheat grains, legumes for protein, and a high volume of fresh vegetables.
What size of kidney bean can should I use?
The recipe specifies using one 16-ounce can of kidney beans, drained.
Do I add salt to the pasta water?
The instructions specifically mention omitting salt when cooking the whole wheat pasta.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the initial aromatics.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply replace the whole wheat pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative.
How much fresh parsley is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of minced fresh parsley to add to the sauce.
Is the sauce spicy?
No, the sauce is savory and herbaceous rather than spicy. You can add red pepper flakes if you desire heat.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 19 separate ingredients used to create this hearty vegetarian meal.
Should the pasta be served hot or cold?
The sauce should be served hot over warm pasta for the best dining experience.
Can I use other types of beans?
While kidney beans are the star, you can substitute them with cannellini or black beans if preferred.