Prepare the pasta according to package instructions for al dente. Half way through the pasta cooking reserve ½ cup of pasta water and set aside.
Preparing the Escarole:
In a large skillet or pot bring the olive oil to high heat. Next, add in the garlic and sauté until golden, about 1-2 minutes.
Next, add in the escarole, salt, and ground black pepper and sauté for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally.
Next, add in the cannellini beans with liquid and sauté for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally.
Next, add in the vegetable broth, bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally, or until the escarole stems are tender.
Bringing Everything Together:
Continuing on medium, add in the pasta, pasta water, and grated cheese. Cook for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally.
To Serve:
Serve this pasta with escarole and beans recipe with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes and some toasted bread.
Notes
Invent Your Recipe:For this dish I am using the escarole as a compliment to the pasta. Coupled with the cannellini beans and garlic and you have a flavorful filling dish. I like to use the vegetable broth after the escarole has sautéed to help tenderize the stems and to help with any bitterness the escarole might have.Cannellini beans are the preferred option for this recipe, but I have used great northern, navy, and pinto beans before. I would not recommend black beans, as they will change the color, flavor, and texture of the dish.If you are looking for some additional flavor I would recommend adding in some onion to this recipe. Sauté the onion with the garlic and then proceed with the rest of the recipe.If you do not like escarole, or cannot find it, this recipe will also work well with spinach, chard, kale, or broccoli rabe.For the pasta I recommend a longer cut like linguini, spaghetti, fettuccini, or angle hair. I like the longer cut of pasta because the escarole combines nicely into the perfect bite when twirled with a fork. However, any pasta will do, especially rigatoni, penne, ziti, or farfalle.