Creamy White Pasta Fagioli Food

PASTA WITH CREAMY WHITE BEANS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season well with salt. Add the pasta and cook for 3 minutes less than indicated in the package directions, about 7 minutes. Drain well reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the oil, carrot and onion to the skillet. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring often, until fragrant and beginning to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the pepper flakes and thyme and cook another minute. Stir in the drained beans and chicken broth. Reduce the heat to medium to maintain a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use the back of a spoon to gently mash some of the beans. Set aside.
• Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the pasta and toss to coat well. Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and add the 1/2 cup pasta water as needed to maintain a creamy, broth-like sauce. Sprinkle in the spinach and cook until wilted.

CREAMY PASTA & MUSHROOM FAGIOLI

Steps:

• In large, heavy skillet or deep heavy soup pot, add olive oil, heat and add 1 sliced garlic clove garlic (or more, to taste). Sauté on low to infuse oil with garlic flavor, do not burn or brown garlic, about 5 minutes.
• Add butter and continue to sauté garlic. When garlic is tender and translucent, remove and toss in the raw mushrooms. Brown and caramelize the mushrooms, without burning. Salt & pepper to taste.
• When mushrooms are done, add the RAW pasta! Toast pasta, stirring continually, til slightly browned and beginning to soften.
• Add the broth, a bit at a time, stirring, as the liquid is absorbed.
• Add beans and a little more broth, or water, as if it were risotto. Continue adding stock til pasta is "al dente" and liquid absorbed, about 12-15 minutes.
• At this point add the cheese and continue to stir, adjusting salt & pepper.
• Turn off heat and toss in frozen peas, stir and allow to sit a few minutes.
• Add parsley and stir again.
• Serve with big salad and crusty bread.