Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Spaghetti or Linguine ($1.00)
- 2 cans (15 oz) Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed ($1.60)
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced ($0.50)
- 1/4 cup Olive oil ($0.80)
- 1 box (10 oz) Frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry ($1.50)
- 1 Lemon, juiced and zested ($0.75)
- 1/2 cup Toasted breadcrumbs ($0.50)
- 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional) ($0.10)
- Salt and black pepper to taste ($0.05)
Instructions
- Preparation: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. While the water heats up, mince your garlic and zest your lemon. Open the cans of beans, pour them into a colander, and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. If using frozen spinach, make sure it is fully thawed and squeeze it tightly over the sink to remove any excess moisture. This prevents the pasta from becoming watery.
- Cooking the Pasta and Sauce: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions for al dente. While the pasta cooks, place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is golden and fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Stir in the drained beans and the squeezed spinach. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the beans are heated through and slightly softened.
- Combining and Emulsifying: Before draining the pasta, carefully scoop out about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the bean and garlic mixture. Pour in the lemon juice and half of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together vigorously over medium-low heat. The starch in the water will combine with the olive oil to create a light, silky sauce that coats every strand of pasta. Add more pasta water if the dish looks too dry.
- Plating: Divide the pasta into four large bowls. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for crunch and the fresh lemon zest for a pop of color and aroma. Serve immediately while hot.
- Cook Time: 25 minutes