Hearty Pasta & Kidney Bean Delight
This Hearty Pasta & Kidney Bean Delight is perfect for busy weeknights when you're craving something warm and satisfying. The combination of zesty stewed tomatoes and protein-packed kidney beans creates a rich and filling sauce that clings to the pasta beautifully. Inspired by a classic Ronzoni recipe, I’ve adapted it using Barilla Plus multi-grain elbow macaroni for added nutrition and flavor. This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it's also a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with buttery cornbread, making it an ideal comfort meal for family dinners or gatherings. Don't forget to taste the pasta; it may take a bit longer to cook than traditional varieties, but the result is worth every minute!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
stewed tomatoes
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (undrained)
dark red kidney beans
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (undrained)
water
2 cups (none)
dried parsley
1/4 cup (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (none)
elbow macaroni
16 ounces (none)
shredded cheddar cheese
to taste (for serving, optional)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the undrained stewed tomatoes, undrained dark red kidney beans, water, dried parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the elbow macaroni and stir to combine evenly.
3
Turn off the heat, cover the saucepan, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check the cooking progress.
4
Once the pasta is tender, give it a good stir and serve hot. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for added flavor and creaminess.
Nutrition Information
1.7g
Fat
36.7g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Pasta & Kidney Bean Delight?
It is a quick, vegetarian one-dish meal that combines elbow macaroni, zesty stewed tomatoes, and protein-packed kidney beans for a filling comfort meal.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and consists of pasta, beans, tomatoes, and optional cheese.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 200 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 10 grams of protein in each serving of this dish.
What kind of pasta is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 16 ounces of Barilla Plus multi-grain elbow macaroni for extra nutrition.
Should I drain the stewed tomatoes before adding them?
No, you should use two 14.5 ounce cans of undrained stewed tomatoes.
Do the kidney beans need to be drained?
No, the recipe specifically calls for two 14.5 ounce cans of undrained dark red kidney beans.
How much water is needed for the recipe?
You need to add 2 cups of water to the mixture.
What dried herbs are used to season the dish?
The seasonings include dried parsley, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and dried thyme.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What is the first step in making this pasta dish?
The first step is to combine the undrained tomatoes, undrained beans, water, and spices in a large saucepan and bring them to a boil.
When do I add the elbow macaroni to the pot?
Add the elbow macaroni once the tomato and bean mixture has reached a boil and you have reduced the heat to a simmer.
Do I cook the pasta on high heat?
No, after adding the macaroni, you should turn off the heat and let it sit covered to cook through.
How long should the pasta sit in the covered saucepan?
The pasta should sit for 15 to 20 minutes or until it reaches an al dente texture.
Should I stir the pasta while it is sitting?
Yes, you should stir it occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
How do I know when the pasta is ready to serve?
The dish is ready when the pasta is tender and al dente; be sure to taste it to check its progress.
What can I serve as a side with this meal?
This dish pairs wonderfully with buttery cornbread.
Is there a cheese recommendation for this recipe?
Yes, you can sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for added flavor and creaminess.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
This recipe contains 1.7 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 36.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
The recipe was inspired by a classic Ronzoni recipe and adapted to use Barilla Plus multi-grain pasta.
Is this a good recipe for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick and easy 30-minute meal for busy schedules.
Can I use light red kidney beans instead of dark red?
While dark red kidney beans are specified, light red kidney beans can be used as a substitute.
How much dried parsley is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of dried parsley.
How much dried thyme is included?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme for this recipe.
What is the carbohydrate to protein ratio?
Each serving has 36.7g of carbohydrates and 10g of protein.
Does the recipe provide fiber or sugar details?
No, fiber and sugar information are not available for this recipe.
What is the serving size for this dish?
The specific serving size is not listed, but the recipe uses 16 ounces of pasta and 4 cans of ingredients.
What type of saucepan is recommended?
A large saucepan is recommended to accommodate all the liquid, beans, and pasta.
Is sodium or cholesterol information provided?
No, sodium and cholesterol values are not specified in the recipe data.