Savory Red Bean & Pasta Stew
Experience the comforting flavors of this Savory Red Bean & Pasta Stew, inspired by the classic Pasta Fagioli. This hearty dish combines tender kidney beans with fresh mushrooms and carrots, all simmered together in a rich broth and enhanced by aromatic pesto sauce. It's a perfect one-pot meal that not only warms the heart but also delights the taste buds. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and enjoy a bowl of wholesome goodness that's sure to please the whole family.
4
Servings
225
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
sliced fresh mushrooms
1.5 (cups)
sliced carrot
1 (cup)
water
1.5 (cups)
black pepper
0.25 (teaspoon)
canned kidney beans
1 (15 ounce can, rinsed and drained)
canned diced tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce can, undrained)
less sodium beef broth
1 (14 ounce can)
uncooked penne pasta
1 (cup)
prepared pesto sauce
2 (tablespoons)
grated fresh parmesan cheese
0.25 (cup)
Instructions
1
In a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2
Add the sliced mushrooms and carrots to the pot, and sauté for about 4 minutes until they begin to soften.
3
Pour in the water, followed by the black pepper, kidney beans (rinsed and drained), diced tomatoes (with their juice), and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
4
Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer for about 5 minutes.
5
Add the uncooked penne pasta into the pot and cook uncovered for 11 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
6
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the prepared pesto sauce until well incorporated.
7
To serve, ladle the stew into bowls and sprinkle each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
8
Fat
30
Carbs
10
Protein
7.5
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Red Bean & Pasta Stew?
It is a hearty one-pot meal inspired by the classic Pasta Fagioli, combining kidney beans, mushrooms, carrots, and penne pasta in a rich pesto-enhanced broth.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What are the main ingredients in this stew?
The main ingredients include olive oil, sliced mushrooms, carrots, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, penne pasta, and pesto sauce.
Is this recipe considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, the entire dish is prepared in a single Dutch oven, making cleanup easy.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
What is the fiber content of this stew?
This stew is a good source of fiber, providing about 7.5 grams per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 10 grams of protein in each serving of this stew.
How long should I saute the mushrooms and carrots?
You should saute the sliced mushrooms and carrots in olive oil for about 4 minutes until they begin to soften.
Do I need to cook the pasta separately?
No, the uncooked penne pasta is added directly to the pot and cooked in the broth mixture.
How long does the pasta take to cook in the stew?
The penne pasta should be cooked uncovered for approximately 11 minutes or until it reaches an al dente texture.
Should the kidney beans be drained before adding?
Yes, the canned kidney beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the pot.
Should I drain the canned diced tomatoes?
No, the canned diced tomatoes should be added with their juice to help form the base of the stew.
When is the pesto sauce added?
The prepared pesto sauce is stirred in at the very end, once the pasta is fully cooked.
Can I make this recipe truly vegetarian?
While the recipe calls for beef broth, you can easily substitute it with vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of uncooked penne pasta.
What kind of mushrooms are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1.5 cups of sliced fresh mushrooms.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 8 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there a specific way to serve this stew?
It is best served ladled into bowls and sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How much pesto sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of prepared pesto sauce.
Can I use a Dutch oven for this recipe?
Yes, a Dutch oven is the recommended vessel for cooking this stew over medium-high heat.
Is the stew simmered covered or uncovered?
The mixture is simmered covered for 5 minutes before the pasta is added, but the pasta itself is cooked uncovered.
What can I use as a garnish?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the recommended garnish for this dish.
How much water is added to the broth?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of water in addition to the beef broth.
What size of bean can should I buy?
You will need one 15-ounce can of kidney beans.
What size of tomato can is used?
The recipe uses one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
Is this a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, suitable for busy weeknights due to its simple steps and one-pot preparation.
How much black pepper is used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 0.25 teaspoons of black pepper.
What type of broth is suggested for lower salt intake?
The recipe recommends using less-sodium beef broth.
Can I substitute kidney beans with another bean?
While kidney beans provide the classic texture, you could substitute them with cannellini or Great Northern beans for a similar result.