Zesty Penne Pasta with Black Beans and Tropical Mango Salsa
This Zesty Penne Pasta with Black Beans and Tropical Mango Salsa is a delightful fusion of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the tropics. The dish combines hearty penne pasta with protein-packed black beans, juicy mango, and aromatic fresh basil, all brought together by a vibrant tomato and garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick weekday dinner or a light yet satisfying meal any time of the year, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also low in saturated fat. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad and some warm garlic bread for a complete culinary experience that your family and friends will love.
2
Servings
265
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chopped tomatoes
14 ounces (canned)
Small onion
1 (sliced)
Garlic cloves
3 (crushed)
Black beans
15 ounces (drained and rinsed)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
Penne pasta
4 ounces (cooked according to package instructions)
Mango
1 (peeled and cubed)
Fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup (sliced)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the canned chopped tomatoes, sliced onion, and crushed garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes until the onion is tender and the flavors meld together.
2
Add the drained black beans and olive oil to the saucepan, stirring gently to combine. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.
3
In a large serving bowl, place the cooked penne pasta. Spoon the hearty bean and tomato sauce over the pasta, ensuring even coverage.
4
Top the dish with the cubed mango and sliced fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Gently toss all the ingredients together until well mixed, then serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
41g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Penne Pasta with Black Beans and Tropical Mango Salsa?
It is a fusion dish that combines hearty penne pasta with protein-packed black beans, juicy mango, and aromatic fresh basil in a vibrant tomato and garlic sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and vegan-friendly as it contains no meat or animal products.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 2 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 265 calories.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for penne pasta, but you could substitute other shapes if necessary.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 7g of fat per serving, making it a low-fat meal option.
What are the main ingredients in the sauce?
The sauce is made from canned chopped tomatoes, sliced onion, crushed garlic, and olive oil.
How long do the onions and tomatoes need to simmer?
The onions and tomatoes should simmer for 10 minutes until the onion is tender.
When do I add the black beans?
Add the drained black beans after the tomato sauce has simmered for 10 minutes, then cook for one additional minute.
How do I prepare the mango?
The mango should be peeled and cubed before being added as a topping.
Can I use fresh basil?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends 1/2 cup of sliced fresh basil leaves for the best flavor.
How much protein does this dish contain?
This pasta dish provides 10g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 41g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick and easy recipe, perfect for a weekday dinner.
Should the pasta be cooked before starting the sauce?
The instructions suggest having the penne pasta cooked according to package instructions before assembling the final dish.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 crushed garlic cloves.
What size onion is required?
One small onion, sliced, is needed for this recipe.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
The dish is served immediately after tossing the warm pasta and sauce with the fresh mango and basil.
What side dishes are recommended?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread.
Can I use different beans?
While the recipe calls for black beans, you could likely substitute kidney beans or chickpeas if preferred.
Is there any salt or pepper in the recipe?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to taste during the final assembly.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil for cooking.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 10 total ingredients including seasonings.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the penne pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative.
Is this recipe low in saturated fat?
Yes, the description highlights that this dish is low in saturated fat.
How many ounces of penne are used?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of penne pasta for 2 servings.
Do I need to rinse the black beans?
Yes, the ingredients list specifies that the black beans should be drained and rinsed.
What type of tomatoes should I buy?
The recipe calls for one 14-ounce can of chopped tomatoes.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish offers a tropical and zesty flavor profile due to the combination of mango, basil, and garlic-tomato sauce.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, its mild yet sweet and savory flavors make it an excellent choice for family meals.