Pasta, Greens, and Beans: 5 Easy Dinners

As long as I have a can of beans and some kind of pasta in the pantry, I know I can pull a meal together -- and these combos are among my favorites for go-to weeknight dinners.

By Mark Bittman

Ziti With White Beans, Cabbage, and Prosciutto

Peter Ardito

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Ziti With White Beans, Cabbage, and Prosciutto

Adding greens gives a nutritional boost, and beans supply protein and fiber. Finally, rounding off the dish with a savory meat such as prosciutto deepens the flavor while keeping the sodium and fat at a healthful level.

Get the recipe for Mark Bittman's Ziti With White Beans, Cabbage, and Prosciutto

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Comments (8)

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1/26/2012 09:13:41 PM Report Abuse

jenmc101 wrote:

This is actually a really good recipe if you have a taste for prosciutto. It can be an acquired taste though. We had everything but proscuitto and white beans in our house already. I plan out meals a week in advance and overlap ingredients so nothing is wasted.

1/20/2012 05:32:16 PM Report Abuse

atn913 wrote:

Beans and pasta are incredibly cheap and I don't buy very much meat- rather I use it to supplement a meal rather than BE a meal, kwim? The only thing I have to buy each week (other than re-stocking my pantry) is fresh fruits and veggies and the minimum of meat. I don't buy any pre-packaged stuff... that's what's so expensive. Check out a book by Rachael Ray, "Express Lane Meals".

9/9/2011 06:31:57 PM Report Abuse

LovelyJenny wrote:

I use this website called www.Baldmanrecipes.com and I love it!!! Tons of great recipes, kid friendly, fast and easy..

9/1/2011 07:45:18 PM Report Abuse

JUNEBUG1234 wrote:

I agree, these recipes are in no way kid friendly. We have to mask beans in our house. Its a great day if they eat thier early peas.

8/25/2011 08:38:15 AM Report Abuse