Looking for a quick and delicious meal that will tantalize your taste buds? Dive into the vibrant world of Italian cuisine with our Bow Ties with Black Beans and Cherry Tomatoes! This delightful dish is not only packed with flavor but also comes together in just 25 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. Imagine al dente bow tie pasta tossed with hearty black beans and juicy cherry tomatoes, all topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese—it's a feast that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz bow tie pasta
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the bow tie pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly under cold water.
- Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half lengthwise. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add the drained black beans to the skillet and warm them through, stirring gently for about 2-3 minutes.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with black beans. Toss gently to combine.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the pasta mixture. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while warm, garnishing with additional Parmesan if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the ideal al dente texture, be sure to follow the cooking time on the pasta package, and don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Rinse the Beans: Draining and rinsing the black beans not only removes excess sodium but also enhances their flavor, making them a perfect complement to the dish.
- Garlic Magic: Keep an eye on the garlic while sautéing; it should be fragrant but not burnt. Burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the flavor of your dish.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you find the pasta mixture a bit dry, use the reserved pasta water sparingly to create a light sauce that brings all the ingredients together beautifully.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. And don’t skimp on the Parmesan—it's the cherry on top of this delightful dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
