Pasta with Italian Green Beans in Tomato Sauce
Italian cuisine is celebrated for its hearty flavors and use of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Today, you can bring a touch of Italy into your kitchen by cooking green beans in a luscious homemade tomato sauce. This classic Italian recipe infuses the tender green beans with the richness of tomatoes and a medley of aromatic herbs, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and bursting with flavors. Let’s dive into the art of creating this Italian delight that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Check out the Recipe in my Youtube Video below!
Quick Resources:
The Story Behind the Sauce
Tips for Cooking Italian Green Beans in Tomato Sauce
Italian Green Beans vs Haricot Verts
Pasta with Italian Green Beans in Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 lb Italian green string beans, or haricot verts. More if you like!
- 1 28 oz can canned whole peeled plum tomatoes
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- handful basil leaves, chopped
- salt and pepper
- 1 lb spaghetti, or other long pasta
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over low heat. Add chopped garlic.
- Cut the tips and ends off of the beans, and chop into bite sized pieces. Add to the pot.
- Add the can of whole peeled plum tomatoes, crushing them further in the pot to break them down.
- Add the can of crushed tomatoes and stir well.
- Salt generously and season with pepper. Add the basil leaves and stir.
- Bring to a boil, and then simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beans and tomatoes are cooked down.
- When it is almost time to serve, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water.
- Ladle some sauce on the bottom of a large pasta dish, and add the cooked pasta once drained.
- Toss well, and continue adding the sauce with the beans until the pasta is thoroughly coated.
- Serve with grated cheese!
A Story Behind the Sauce
Every Sunday, at 2 PM, it was Dinner at Nonna’s house. My siblings and I used to make bets at what she would be cooking based on what we would smell as soon as we turned the corner to Nonna’s block. Nonna’s cooking was so aromatic that the smell of it would waft all the way down to the stop sign. Almost always, it was the tomato sauce. It would smell slightly different each time, but it was there! By the time we would enter her house, we would already be drooling in expectation.
That’s the goal (at least my goal!) and the reason why simmering a pot of sauce all afternoon is a welcome feeling. There’s something about tomato sauce that ignites the nostalgia. It’s comfort in a pot!
Tips for Cooking Pasta with Italian Green Beans in Tomato Sauce
- To create a truly authentic dish, it’s essential to start with the freshest ingredients. Head to your local farmers’ market or grocery store to find plump and tender Italian string beans. Pick out your favorite canned tomatoes. I recommend Tutto Rosso Canned Tomatoes!
- Use a variety of tomato textures to give the sauce a hearty feel. I like to combined whole peeled tomatoes that I crush by hand along with crushed tomatoes.
- If desired, cut the beans into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Keeping the beans whole can also add an elegant touch to the presentation.
- Play around with herbs. I like to simply add basil, but you can also add oregano, parsley, and even rosemary!
- Ideally, pick a day where you are not going anywhere. Let the sauce simmer all afternoon. You won’t regret it!
Made the Recipe? Let us know!
Cooking string beans in homemade tomato sauce is a delightful way to experience the authentic flavors of Italian cuisine. The combination of tender green beans with the rich, savory tomato sauce creates a comforting and nourishing dish that embodies the heart of Italy. Embrace the art of simplicity and enjoy this Italian delight that brings a taste of Italy to your table. Buon appetito!
Have you ever tried adding string beans to your tomato sauce? What else do you like to add? Share below and you might inspire someone to try your idea!
