Pasta and Beans with Pork

Pasta and Beans with Pork is a comforting and savory dish that combines the rich flavors of sweet Italian sausage with tender pasta and creamy cannellini beans. The caramelized sausage and golden garlic create a robust base, while the pureed tomatoes add a luscious, creamy texture to the sauce.

This recipe is perfect for a satisfying meal, offering a wonderful balance of hearty beans, flavorful pork, and melted Parmigiano Reggiano. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish promises warmth and deliciousness in every bite.

Pasta and Beans with Pork

Ingredients:

2 sweet Italian sausages (about 8 ounces)

1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more as needed)

5 cloves garlic, smashed

8 ounces mezzi rigatoni (or another short pasta)

1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup pureed tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes)

1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 handfuls finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano (plus extra for serving)

Instructions:

Cook the Sausage:

Remove the sausage meat from the casings. In a Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage meat and cook until crispy and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove the cooked sausage and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic:

In the same pot, add a glug of olive oil and the smashed garlic cloves. Sauté until the garlic starts to turn golden, about 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of water to deglaze the pot, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Turn off the heat and cover the pot to let the garlic mellow.

Cook the Pasta:

In a separate pot, bring well-salted water to a boil. Add the mezzi rigatoni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.

Combine the Beans and Sauce:

Add the drained cannellini beans to the garlic pot and turn the heat back to medium. Stir to combine and heat through. After about a minute, add the pureed tomatoes to create a creamy sauce. Stir in the sautéed sausage.

Add Pasta Water:

Just before the pasta is done, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the bean and sausage mixture, tossing to combine. If the mixture seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

Finish with Cheese:

Stir in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

Serve hot, garnished with additional grated Parmigiano Reggiano on top.

Notes:

Sausage Selection:

Sweet Italian Sausages provide a flavorful base, but you can also use spicy Italian sausages or a mix of both for extra heat. For a lighter option, use chicken or turkey sausages.

Pasta Choice:

Mezzi Rigatoni is ideal for catching the beans and sauce, but other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or shells work well too. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti as it doesn’t hold the sauce as effectively.

Garlic Cooking:

Be cautious not to burn the garlic while sautéing. Once it starts turning golden, promptly add a splash of water to deglaze the pot and prevent it from overcooking.

Tomato Purée:

Pureed tomatoes or crushed tomatoes add a creamy texture and rich flavor. You can adjust the amount depending on how tomato-forward you like your sauce.

Pasta Water:

Reserving pasta water is crucial as it contains starch that helps thicken and bind the sauce. Add it gradually to achieve your desired consistency.

Bean Preparation:

Cannellini beans are a great choice for their creaminess, but you can substitute with other white beans like great northern or navy beans if needed. Ensure beans are well-drained to avoid excess liquid.

Finishing with Cheese:

Parmigiano Reggiano adds a sharp, nutty flavor and creamy texture. Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and taste. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving for added richness.

Adjusting Seasoning:

Taste and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference. The sausages may already add saltiness, so season carefully.

Texture:

If the dish becomes too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water or a splash of chicken or vegetable broth to loosen it up.

Serving Suggestions:

Garnish with extra cheese and fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to complete the meal.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer, including spicy Italian, chicken, or turkey sausage.

Just adjust the seasoning to taste if you use a different type.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage and use a plant-based sausage or extra beans for protein.

You can also add more vegetables for flavor.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute mezzi rigatoni with other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or shells.

Long pasta shapes like spaghetti are less ideal for this recipe as they don’t mix as well with the beans and sauce.

What if I don’t have pureed tomatoes?

You can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute.

If you prefer a richer sauce, add a small amount of heavy cream or milk.

How do I adjust the thickness of the sauce?

If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water or a bit of chicken or vegetable broth to loosen it.

If it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer to reduce and thicken.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the sausages are gluten-free.

Check all packaged ingredients to confirm they are gluten-free.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this dish freezes well.

Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheat it on the stove, adding a bit of water or broth to restore the consistency.

What can I serve with this dish?

Serve with a side of crusty bread, a green salad, or additional grated Parmigiano Reggiano.

You can also pair it with a simple vegetable side like steamed greens or roasted vegetables.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Sauté them with the garlic before adding the beans and sausage, or stir them in with the beans and tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.