Cajun Comfort Bean & Pasta Medley
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of the Deep South with this Cajun Comfort Bean & Pasta Medley. This hearty stew is a delightful fusion of nutrient-packed beans, tender pasta, and vibrant vegetables, simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth. Originating from a cherished recipe shared by our local REMC electric co-op, this dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also made with pantry staples, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknight dinners. For those looking for a more robust flavor profile, feel free to swap vegetable broth for beef broth, adding an even deeper savory essence to each bowl. Serve hot, and let every spoonful take you on a delicious culinary journey! Perfect for sharing with family or friends, this dish is bound to become a favorite at your table.
4
Servings
240
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Black Beans
1 (16-ounce can, drained)
Red Beans
1 (16-ounce can, drained)
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
1 (14-ounce can)
Small Shell Pasta
3/4 (uncooked, cup)
Onion
1/4 (chopped, cup)
Dried Basil Leaves
1 (teaspoon)
Worcestershire Sauce
1 (teaspoon)
Garlic Clove
1 (finely chopped)
Vegetable Broth
1 (14-ounce carton)
Bell Pepper
1/4 (chopped, cup)
Celery
1/4 (chopped, cup)
Cajun Seasoning
1 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
In a large 2-quart saucepan, combine the drained black beans, red beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, uncooked small shell pasta, chopped onion, dried basil, Worcestershire sauce, finely chopped garlic, vegetable broth, chopped bell pepper, chopped celery, and cajun seasoning.
2
Stir the mixture well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the flavors are well combined.
5
Remove from heat, let it rest for a couple of minutes, and then serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
45g
Carbs
14g
Protein
9g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cajun Comfort Bean & Pasta Medley?
It is a hearty stew that blends nutrient-packed beans, tender pasta, and vibrant vegetables in a flavorful broth, originating from a local REMC electric co-op recipe.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Is this Cajun medley recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe uses vegetable broth and beans, making it a vegetarian-friendly meal.
What types of beans are used in this dish?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce can of black beans and one 16-ounce can of red beans.
Can I substitute the vegetable broth?
Yes, for a more robust and savory flavor profile, you can swap the vegetable broth for beef broth.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
Uncooked small shell pasta is recommended for this medley.
How many calories are in a single serving?
There are 240 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this meal?
Each serving provides 14 grams of protein.
Is this dish high in fiber?
Yes, it contains 9 grams of fiber per serving.
What size saucepan do I need?
You will need a large 2-quart saucepan to combine all the ingredients.
How long does it take to cook the pasta in the stew?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, it should simmer for about 15 minutes until the pasta is tender.
Should the beans be drained before adding them?
Yes, both the black beans and red beans should be drained before being added to the saucepan.
What vegetables are included in this medley?
The recipe includes chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
What spices give this dish its Cajun flavor?
The flavor comes from Cajun seasoning, dried basil leaves, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
Do I need to cook the pasta separately?
No, the small shell pasta is added uncooked and simmers directly in the broth with the other ingredients.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as quick and easy and can be prepared in about 20 minutes of active cooking and simmering time.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 3 grams of fat.
Can I add fresh herbs to this dish?
Yes, it is suggested to garnish the finished dish with fresh herbs if desired.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The recipe calls for one clove of garlic that should be finely chopped.
What type of canned tomatoes should I use?
Use a 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
How much Cajun seasoning is required?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.
How much Worcestershire sauce is added?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Do I need to sauté the vegetables first?
No, all ingredients are combined in the saucepan and brought to a boil together.
Is the saucepan covered during simmering?
Yes, you should cover the saucepan and reduce heat to low once it has reached a boil.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much onion is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1/4 cup of chopped onion.
How much celery and bell pepper are used?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of chopped bell pepper and 1/4 cup of chopped celery.
Does the dish need to rest before serving?
Yes, after removing from heat, let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Is this a budget-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is primarily made with pantry staples like canned beans and pasta, making it cost-effective.
Can I make this dish for a large group?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients in a larger pot to serve more people.