Andiamo Bar & Restaurant Pasta e Fagiolo

Posted by Cookin'Mom at recipegoldmine.com - April 2001

Source: Andiamo Bar & Restaurant, Sacramento, California

1 (12 ounce) can cannellini beans, great northern, or
    other white beans, drained and rinsed
1 pound rigatoni, penne or other preferred pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 bunch fresh green Swiss chard, washed
    thoroughly and stemmed removing most of
    the white core and cut into 1/2-inch slices
3 cloves minced garlic
1 small onion
1 stalk celery, sliced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red peppers
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice
1 (12 ounce) can tomato pur e
1 teaspoon dry oregano or 2 tablespoons fresh oregano
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Romano Parmesan cheese

Heat oil in a large saucepan. Saut garlic, onions celery, and red pepper for 2-3 minutes.

Add tomatoes, puree and oregano. Simmer 10 to 15 minutes.

Add beans and parsley. If too thick, add 1 cup water or chicken broth. Simmer for an additional 6-8 minutes. Taste for salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta. Just before the pasta is done add the cleaned chard to the water and cook for another minute until blanched.

Drain the pasta with the chard and combine with the sauce, saving a little sauce to put on top.

Top with freshly grated Romano cheese and serve.

OPTIONS:
1. Add 1/4 cup julienned strips of prosciutto ham

2. Substitute fresh spinach for Swiss chard

3. Use ditalini (salad macaroni) or other small pasta, thin with water or chicken broth if desired, and serve as a hearty soup.