Popular
Latest From the Show
How to Make Pasta with Beans + Greens | Quick & Easy Kid-Friendl…
Q&A with Organizational Pro Peter Walsh + Dermatologist Shares A…
Actor Hank Azaria + Freezer Meals + Artichokes 2 Ways with Rach
See Inside Barbara Corcoran's Stunning NY Apartment + It's Steak…
How to Make Chicken and Lobster Piccata | Richard Blais
Donnie Wahlberg + Jenny McCarthy Say Rach Is Such a "Joy" + Look…
Donnie Wahlberg Spills Details About NKOTB's First Ever Conventi…
The Best Moments From 17 Seasons of the Show Will Make You Laugh…
How to Make Crabby Carbonara | Rachael Ray
Rach Chats "Firsts" In Flashback From Our First Episode Ever In …
How to Make Apple-Cider Braised Pork Chop Sandwiches with Onion …
Rach's Chef Pals Say Goodbye to Show in Surprise Video Message
How to Make Tortilla with Potatoes, Piquillo Peppers and Mancheg…
How to Make Sesame Cookies | Buddy Valastro
Andrew McCarthy Chokes Up Discussing Emotional Trip to Spain wit…
How to Make Shrimp Burgers | Jacques Pepin
Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …
Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …
Andrew McCarthy Teases Upcoming "Brat Pack" Reunion Special
Michelle Obama Toasts Rach's 17 Years on the Air With a Heartfel…
How to Make Spanakopipasta | Rachael Ray
Catherine Smart, a personal chef, food stylist, writer and busy mom of two kids, understands how hard it is to cook during the weeknights. "I'm not a big meal prepper because I'm not a big planner," she says. "Plus, the kids never want to eat what I had planned anyway! And when I get home from work, there's a short window for the kids between hungry and 'hangry.'"
So, she developed a few formulas for getting a meal on the table with no planning or special shopping trips required, and this is one of her favorites: combine cooked pasta + canned beans + fresh or frozen vegetables in a hot pan with some garlic and cheese (all of which are basic pantry/fridge items), and that's dinner! You can also throw in any ham you have in the house for some protein, if you like. It's quick and easy and delicious! Here are some other reasons why she loves it:
—You can truly mix and match whatever you have on hand as long as you've got SOMETHING from each category.
—It's the perfect opportunity to use up those frozen vegetables sitting in your freezer.
—Pasta is such a great way to use what you have on hand and turn it into dinner.
—It's foolproof.
—It's a crowd-pleaser.
—The kids love it!
For more quick and easy kid-friendly recipes, check out Rach's Sticky Chicken Tray Bake and Sausage, Bacon and Egg Fried Rice.
Ingredients
- 1 pound any dried sturdy pasta, such as penne, rigatoni or ziti
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ pound ham, such as prosciutto, diced pancetta or deli ham OR ½ cup crumbled cooked bacon or store-bought bacon bits
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh or frozen green vegetable, such as ½ pound baby spinach, 1 bunch stemmed and thinly sliced Swiss chard, 2 cups frozen spinach or 2 cups blanched green beans
- One 15.5-ounce can of beans, such as cannellini, pinto, garbanzo or black-eyed peas, drained
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan, pecorino, asiago or other hard cheese, plus more to serve
- Red pepper flakes, to serve (optional)
Yield
Serves: 4 to 6
Preparation
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta to al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy water before draining and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium heat and add the ham. If you're using raw bacon or pancetta, cook about 5 minutes, letting the fat render and the meat crisp. If you're using a fully cooked meat, such as prosciutto or deli ham, cook about 2 minutes until the ham begins to brown.
Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute more, being careful to not let the garlic burn. Stir in the green vegetable, drained beans and pasta water, increase the heat and bring just to a simmer. Cook until the greens are wilted or the blanched beans are cooked through.
Stir in the cooked pasta and toss to combine, then mix in the cheese and remove from the heat. Serve immediately, passing more grated cheese and pepper flakes (if using) at the table.