This recipe showcases the art of transforming humble ingredients into extraordinary dishes. By combining penne pasta, water, and chicken or vegetable broth, we create a base with savory flavors. As the sauce reduces and the pasta cooks, we introduce creamy white beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and chopped kalamata olives for a burst of briny goodness. Grated Parmesan cheese adds richness, while fresh basil, high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, and a touch of lemon juice elevate the dish to new heights. While penne is the recommended pasta shape, feel free to use other shapes, keeping in mind that cup measurements may vary. The nutritional information for this recipe can be found below.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 ½ cups water
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper
- 8 ounces (2 ½ cups) penne
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed
- 12 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped
- 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated (½ cup), plus extra for serving
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
PREPARATIONS:
- In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, bring water, broth, ½ teaspoon salt, and penne to a simmer over high heat. Cook at a vigorous simmer, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, approximately 15 to 18 minutes.
- Stir in the cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives. Continue cooking until warmed through, about 1 minute.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, extra-virgin olive oil, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the dish with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top.
YIELD:
- This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to personal taste preferences.
- Experiment with different varieties of olives for unique flavor profiles.
- Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and fresh basil to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
TIPS:
- Garnish the dish with additional fresh basil leaves for a vibrant presentation.
- Drizzle a bit of extra-virgin olive oil over each serving just before serving.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Protein: 17g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 1130mg
In conclusion, this pasta dish demonstrates the power of simple ingredients coming together to create a remarkable meal. The combination of penne pasta, white beans, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives provides a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The addition of grated Parmesan, fresh basil, extra-virgin olive oil, and a touch of lemon juice elevates the dish, resulting in a satisfying and memorable culinary experience. With its versatility and ease of preparation, this recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy the art of simplicity with this extraordinary pasta dish.
