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Pasta, Greens, and Beans: 5 Easy Dinners

Pasta, Greens, and Beans: 5 Easy Dinners

By Mark Bittman

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.

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1 of 6

Ziti With White Beans, Cabbage, and Prosciutto

Peter Ardito

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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.

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2 of 6

Rigatoni With Chickpeas, Spinach, and Ground Lamb

Peter Ardito

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Replace the cabbage with chopped spinach, and use rigatoni for the pasta. Add chickpeas and ground lamb (beef works too) in place of the beans and prosciutto.

3 of 6

Shells With White Beans, Chard, and Bacon

Peter Ardito

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Mix it up this time with shells and chopped chard. Bacon boasts serious flavor in the dish.

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4 of 6

Family Dinners: 4 Tips To Make Them Better

5 of 6

Farfalle With Chickpeas, Spinach, and Sausage

Peter Ardito

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Add chickpeas, spinach and sausage to bowtie pasta—a kid favorite—for a filling meal.

6 of 6

Fusilli With Lima Beans, Cabbage, and Shrimp

Peter Ardito

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If your family loves seafood, try the pasta with shrimp. Serve garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Originally published in the April 2011 issue of Parents magazine.

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