Creamy Broccoli and White Bean Pasta

White beans make this creamy broccoli pasta more substantial and help thicken the sauce when a few are mashed. The broccoli cooks in the pasta pot for fewer dishes. A little lemon juice balances the cream and Parmesan at the end.

Ingredients

• 300 g short pasta
• 300 g small broccoli florets
• 1 × 400 g can white beans, drained
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 150 ml heavy cream
• 50 g grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Method

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the measured salt and pasta. Cook according to the package timing, adding broccoli florets for the last four minutes.
2. Before draining, reserve 250 ml of the pasta cooking water. Drain pasta and broccoli together.
3. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds without browning. Add the drained white beans, cream and 100 ml reserved pasta water.
4. Simmer gently for five minutes. Mash about one-quarter of the beans against the pan with a spoon to thicken the sauce, leaving the rest whole.
5. Add pasta, broccoli and Parmesan. Toss over low heat for one to two minutes, adding more reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats the pasta without becoming dry. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and pepper.
6. Serve immediately in four bowls. The broccoli should be tender but still hold its shape, with whole white beans visible among the pasta. No extra garnish is required.
7. Refrigerate leftovers in a shallow covered container within two hours and eat within three days. Reheat with a splash of water, stirring until steaming hot throughout.

Cut broccoli into small florets

Similar-sized pieces cook evenly during the final four minutes of the pasta cooking time.

Save the pasta water

The starchy water loosens the cream sauce and helps it cling to the pasta. Add gradually rather than pouring it all in.

Keep some beans whole

Mashing just a portion thickens the sauce while keeping contrasting textures. Add lemon after taking the skillet off the heat.

FAQs

How many servings does this make?

Makes 4 servings using the pan or equipment listed.

What should I check before serving?

Serve immediately in four bowls. The broccoli should be tender but still hold its shape, with whole white beans visible among the pasta. No extra garnish is required.

How should I store leftovers?

Refrigerate leftovers in a shallow covered container within two hours and eat within three days. Reheat with a splash of water, stirring until steaming hot throughout.