Photo courtesy of Eat, Live, Run
Yesterday was gorgeous (to say the least) and made me want to be outside every minute of the day! Although several errands had to be run, we still managed to make it to the park and took an hour long hike in the woods. We were sweaty! It was fantastic!
That evening, I wanted to make something simple and fairly healthy, so I decided to make Jenna from Eat, Live, Run’s, Penne with White Beans and Spinach (only I used arugula because…why not?).
Both Brandon and I really enjoyed this dish. I think the only thing we would alter for next time is the amount of lemon juice/zest; it was a bit too tangy. In the recipe below, I cut down the lemon juice to demonstrate how I would alter the recipe for next time. Other than that, the penne dish was the PERFECT ending, to a PERFECT day, with my very favorite person. We even went for another walk in the evening because the weather was just THAT glorious! I hope you were able to enjoy some sunshine yesterday!
Photo courtesy of Eat, Live, Run
Penne with White Beans and Arugula
Adapted from Eat, Live, Run
- 3/4 lb whole wheat penne pasta (dry)
- 1 T Extra Virgin Olive oil
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced (I like extra garlic)
- 1/4 cup chopped sundried tomatoes
- 1 can white beans, rinsed and drained
- 3 cups arugula
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Juice of one lemon
- couple grinds of sea salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking liquid.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté garlic in oil ~1-2 minutes, and then add sundried tomatoes and arugula. Once lettuce has wilted down, add beans and pasta. Cook ~ 1 minute and then add lemon juice, zest, reserved liquid, salt, cayenne, and cheese, tossing well. Allow to cook ~1-2 more minutes, until the liquid begins to slightly thicken. Serves 6.
Nutritional Profile: 323 calories, 6.9 g fat (1.2 g sat.), 60 g carbohydrate, 13.9 g protein, 11.2 g fiber, 296 mg sodium, 340 mg potassium, 3.3 mg cholesterol, 0.7 g sugar
Oooh that looks so delicious!
Yum! I have had a hankering for pasta lately!
That looks sooooo good. I shouldn’t go food blog hopping at midnight…it makes me hungry!
This looks so good! I bet the white beans make it so creamy
Send your sunshine my way! I’m dying for a little taste of spring. I must have missed this recipe from Jenna so I’m glad you posted it here! I’ve been looking for some tasty meatless meals.
I enjoyed some of that sunshine today! It was so beautiful out
I’ve been craving a pasta…this looks delicious.
This is going on my recipe list. It looks amazing…a perfect, light summer dinner (or lunch!).
Yum! This one’s going on my list of recipes! A perfect dish for Meatless Monday!
This is definitely my sunshine this morning!
This dish looks great! I really admire Jenna’s foodie photography skills
. Glad you enjoyed your supper with Brandon 
.
YUM! White beans are my favorite and I think arugula belongs tossed in all pasta dishes…so good!
Yum! That looks like the perfect dinner.
This dish looks excellent! I love adding beans into pasta dishes. It almost adds a creamy texture. Yum!
Our weather wasn’t too great over the weekend. It is supposed to warm up again so I am keeping my fingers crossed.
Yum! What a delicious looking pasta recipe…I just got some organic brown rice penne and I think I just might make this for dinner tonight. Thank you for the inspiration!
What a perfect looking meal!!! Yumm!!! Your photos are so good too!!!!
Your whole wheat pasta doesn’t look as dense as mine- what kind is it? I want to try it!
I don’t know why but I havent bought penne in forever! def need to change that! yummm!
Arugula in pasta is so tasty. And I need to incorporate more white beans in my food.
This sounds so good. I’ve wanted to try it too… YUM!
This is great! I might make this tonight for dinner!!
This looks awesome!! Will definitely make this dish soon!
Love this recipe—and better yet—I have ALL of this on hand.
Looks delicious! I’m actually trying to go meat-less a few days of the week now so this is perfect!
This looks beautiful Erin!!! I think the arugula is a fabulous addition.