Pasta and Beans Fiesta

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 pound dried pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• 1 pound dried white beans (such as Cannellini or Great Northern)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Preparation Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

60 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Soak beans in water overnight, then drain and rinse.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions.
3. In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add bell peppers and cook until tender, about 5 minutes more.
5. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add beans to the pot and simmer for another 30 minutes, or until beans are tender.
7. Drain pasta and add it to the pot with the sauce. Stir to combine.
8. Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1 cup):

• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 50g
• Dietary Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 15g

Dish Characteristics:

• Hearty and flavorful
• Colorful and visually appealing
• Can be customized with different types of pasta or beans
• Suitable for a variety of occasions

User Comments:

• "This dish is amazing! The flavors are so rich and complex."
• "I love how easy it is to make and how versatile it is."
• "This is the perfect dish for a family gathering or a special occasion."
• "I highly recommend this dish to anyone who loves pasta and beans."
• "I've tried many pasta and beans recipes, but this one is by far the best."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have time to soak the beans overnight, you can bring them to a boil in a pot of water, then remove from heat and let them soak for 1 hour before draining and rinsing.
• If you want a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for longer.
• You can also add other ingredients to the dish, such as cooked meat, vegetables, or cheese.