Pasta, Greens, and Beans: 5 Easy Dinners

By Mark Bittman
Peter Ardito
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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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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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.

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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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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.

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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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