When Stanley Tucci came on the Desert Island Dishes podcast a few years ago he told me about this amazing pasta dish that he cooks all the time. It’s kind of like a Pasta Fagioli – I now make it all the time and it’s so delicious. I realised I never shared it with you before so it’s about time. Listen to Stanley Tucci’s episode of Desert Island Dishes wherever you get your podcasts.

You may have heard Stanley talking about his slightly more famous pasta of which he spoke in his hit series Searching For Italy and you can find that linked here. This pasta might be the less famous brother of Stanley’s pasta but it is super delicious and perhaps a bit more weeknight friendly.

What goes into this recipe?

Pasta is a versatile staple loved worldwide for its convenience. Made from durum wheat, it comes in various shapes and sizes, offering lots of possibilities for dishes. This recipe uses spaghetti and is the backbone of the dish, making it affordable and filling. Opt for wholewheat pasta if you want to bump up the fibre of this dish.

Cavolo Nero, also known as Tuscan kale or black cabbage, is a dark leafy green vegetable. Its robust and earth flavour is delicious in all forms. Packed with nutrients like vitamins A, K, and C, as well as antioxidants, it’s the perfect addition to this pasta.

Cannellini Beans are a type of white kidney bean, are creamy and mild in taste. Rich in protein, fibre, and essential minerals, they are a nutritious part of this recipe. These beans hold their shape well when cooked, making them perfect for pasta dishes and means they last well even as leftovers.

Tomatoes are a cornerstone of so many recipes. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colours, each imparting a great flavour profile—sweet, tangy, or even slightly acidic. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, tomatoes are incredibly versatile and add some brightness and body to this recipe.

Parmigiano Reggiano, often referred to as the “King of Cheeses,” is a hard, aged cheese known for its nutty, salty flavour and grainy, salty texture. Produced only in certain regions of Italy, its quality and taste are unparalleled. This means it is packed with umami and adds a certain saltiness and flavour to the recipe that is hard to mimic otherwise.

In a pasta dish like this recipe, you can use various types of beans, depending on your taste but also what you have in the cupboard. Here are a few options and why they might work well:

Cannellini Beans:

Why: Cannellini beans are the classic choice for this. They have a creamy texture and mild taste, making them versatile in various pasta dishes. They absorb flavours well and hold their shape when cooked, adding substance to the dish.

Borlotti Beans:

Why: Borlotti beans have a slightly nutty flavour and a creamy texture when cooked. They’re pretty too, due to their pinkish-red speckled appearance, and they add both taste and texture to pasta dishes.

Kidney Beans:

Why: Kidney beans, especially the light red variety, can work in pasta dishes. They have a stronger flavour and a slightly firmer texture compared to some other beans, adding a hearty bite to the dish.

Black Beans:

Why: While less traditional in Italian cooking, black beans can be used for a twist in pasta dishes. They have a slightly earthy taste and hold their shape well, providing a contrast in colour to the pasta.