White Bean Pesto Pasta

This quick recipe utilizes pre-made pesto (here is a homemade version that I like to portion and keep in the freezer: https://mangiavita.com/articles/homemade-pesto/ ). The Costco brand is my favorite store brand, but I will say that most refrigerated brands are decent. Shelf-stable pesto tends to have off flavors and not taste as fresh.

• 1/2 pound of dry pasta
• 1 can white northern beans, not drained
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely diced
• 1 shallot, finely diced
• 3 tbsp pesto
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Finely grated Pecorino cheese

Cook the pasta to al dente in salted water. While pasta is cooking, add butter, olive oil, garlic, shallots and red pepper flakes until the garlic and shallot start to soften. Add canned beans and canning liquid. Allow the mixture to bubble and reduce until most of the liquid has evaporated. Add black pepper and adjust salt if needed.

Add the bean mixture and pesto to the cooked pasta. Mix gently and top with grated pecorino and additional red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy!