Creamy White Bean Pasta

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Ingredients

• 1-pound whole wheat pasta (penne, shells, macaroni or bowtie)
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 7 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 15 ounce can white beans, drained
• 5-ounce bag of spinach, rough chopped
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for boiling pasta)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup parsley, chopped
• Juice of half a lemon
• Shredded cheese for garnish (optional)

Makes 4 servings Serving Size: 276g

Directions

1. In a large quart pot of boiling and salted water, add the pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than package directions.
2. While the pasta is boiling, add the oil to a sauté pan and heat over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes.)
4. Add the white beans to the pan and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Before draining the pasta, carefully take ¼ cup of water from the boiling pasta and slowly add it to the pan with the beans before draining the pasta.
6. Next add the pasta to the pan. Stir to combine.
7. Add the spinach, parsley, and lemon juice.
8. Garnish with cheese if desired.