Spaghetti with Greens, Beans, Pancetta, and Garlic Bread Crumbs

When you’re in the mood for a comforting and flavorful pasta dish but don’t have hours to spare, this recipe is the perfect solution. By combining pasta, hearty greens, and beans, you can create a sublime culinary experience in a fraction of the time. In this Italian-inspired dish, we’ve chosen kale or collard greens, which require just a quick braise to soften. Onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth provide a savory backbone, while canned beans save time without sacrificing flavor. Pancetta and fontina cheese add a hearty depth to the dish. The trick to achieving a gutsy and harmonious flavor is cooking the pasta with greens, beans, and sauce for a few moments. With this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying weeknight supper without the long simmer. Follow the instructions below to create a comforting pasta dish that will delight your taste buds.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups fresh bread crumbs (see note)
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper
• 3 ounces pancetta, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 onion, chopped fine
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1-1 1/2 pounds kale or collard greens, stemmed and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 15-ounce can of cannellini beans, rinsed
• 12 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
• 4 ounces fontina cheese, shredded (1 cup)

PREPARATIONS:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the fresh bread crumbs and cook, stirring often, until they begin to brown, which should take 4 to 6 minutes. Stir in half of the minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of salt and continue cooking until the garlic is fragrant and the crumbs are golden brown, for about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
2. Use paper towels to wipe the skillet clean. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the pancetta to the skillet. Cook over medium heat until the pancetta becomes crisp, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the cooked pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the remaining fat and cook over medium heat until softened and lightly browned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the remaining minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until the garlic becomes fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds. Add half of the kale or collard greens and cook, tossing occasionally, until they start to wilt, around 2 minutes. Add the remaining greens, chicken broth, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan (which will be very full), and cook, tossing occasionally, until the greens are tender, which should take approximately 15 minutes. The mixture will be somewhat soupy. Stir in the rinsed cannellini beans and the crisped pancetta.
4. Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the whole-wheat spaghetti and 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta, stirring often, until it reaches the desired al dente texture. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Stir in the greens mixture and cook over medium heat, tossing to combine, until the sauce thickens, which should take about 2 minutes.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded fontina cheese. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and add the reserved cooking water as needed to adjust the consistency. Sprinkle individual portions with the toasted bread crumbs and serve.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Slicing the kale or collard greens thinly will ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the pasta.
• Use whole-wheat spaghetti for added fiber and nutritional benefits.

TIPS:

• To make fresh bread crumbs, process stale bread in a food processor until finely ground.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preferred level of spiciness.

This pasta dish demonstrates that even humble ingredients like pasta, hearty greens, and beans can come together to create a truly satisfying meal. By following this recipe, you can enjoy a flavorful and comforting dish without the hours-long simmer usually associated with such recipes. The combination of sautéed pancetta, braised kale or collard greens, and creamy fontina cheese creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The addition of fresh bread crumbs adds a delightful crunch to every bite. This recipe is a testament to the fact that you don’t need complicated techniques or lengthy cooking times to create a memorable pasta dish. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can have a delicious and nourishing meal on the table in no time. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight supper or a comforting dish for any day of the week, this pasta with greens and beans recipe is sure to satisfy.