HEALTHY PASTA E FAGIOLI

Healthy Pasta E Fagioli image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 ounces campanelle (ruffle-edged pasta) or orecchiette
1 thick slice baked ham (about 4 ounces), cut into 1-inch-long matchsticks
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 large leeks, white and pale-green parts only, cleaned, split lengthwise, and thinly sliced crosswise
2 cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) low-sodium chicken stock, skimmed of fat
3 scallions, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
1 ounce freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Olive-oil, cooking spray

Steps:

Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil, and cook pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Heat a low-sided 6-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, and coat with olive-oil cooking spray. Add ham, and saute until beginning to brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Add garlic and leeks; reduce heat to medium low. Saute until leeks have softened, about 5 minutes. Add beans; stir until well combined and beans are warm.
Remove 1 cup bean mixture; place in the bowl of a food processor with 1 can chicken stock. Puree until smooth; return to saucepan. Add remaining chicken stock, scallions, and pepper. When very hot, after 2 to 3 minutes, stir in reserved pasta; cook until heated through. Garnish with chives and Parmesan, if desired; serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 377 g, Cholesterol 24 g, Fat 7 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 23 g, Sodium 697 g