How to Make Pasta e Fagioli (Pasta With Beans)

A classic Italian dish that's incredibly simple and healthful. Serves 4.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Parmesan Cheeses
• Salt And Pepper
• Cheese Graters
• Colanders
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Mixing Bowls
• Stockpots
• Wooden Spoons
• 2 c canned cannelini or white beans - drained
• 1 bunch cleaned and trimmed Swiss chard
• 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 whole peeled garlic cloves
• 2 finely chopped anchovies fillets
• 1/2 c dried penne pastas

1. Put the chard in a stockpot with about 1/2 c. water and 1 tsp. salt. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the chard is tender.
2. Drain the chard over a bowl and reserve the cooking liquid. Chop the chard coarsely.
3. Warm the olive oil in the same stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Add the anchovies and rosemary. Stir for a few seconds, then remove the garlic.
4. Add the chard and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Add the beans and pepper to taste. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring to combine well.
6. Add the reserved cooking liquid and water to raise the liquid level to about 3 inches from the top of the stockpot.
7. Bring the liquid to a boil, then add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions.
8. Remove from the heat and transfer soup to individual bowls. Garnish with freshly grated cheese and serve at once.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have the time, cook your own cannelini beans instead of using canned, then use the bean cooking water as the base for the soup.
• You can also use a light vegetable stock in place of the water.