Pasta And White Beans Gratin Recipes

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season well with salt. Add the pasta and cook for 3 minutes less than indicated in the package directions, about 7 minutes. Drain well reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the oil, carrot and onion to the skillet. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring often, until fragrant and beginning to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the pepper flakes and thyme and cook another minute. Stir in the drained beans and chicken broth. Reduce the heat to medium to maintain a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use the back of a spoon to gently mash some of the beans. Set aside.
• Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the pasta and toss to coat well. Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and add the 1/2 cup pasta water as needed to maintain a creamy, broth-like sauce. Sprinkle in the spinach and cook until wilted.

Steps:

• Drain the beans and place in a medium-size saucepan. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until tender, about 40 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• In a medium-size skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the celery, garlic, red pepper flakes and potato and cook until tender. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to the boil. Add the pasta and cook until just tender. Drain and set aside.
• When the vegetables are tender, add the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits. Place the pasta in a large bowl. Add the vegetable mixture, the beans, tomatoes and basil and toss well. Season with salt and pepper. Divide among 4 plates and sprinkle with Parmesan. Serve immediately.