Cream Cheese Black Bean Pasta
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cream Cheese Black Bean Pasta, a creamy and protein-packed twist on traditional pasta dishes. Featuring perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a velvety, spiced cream cheese sauce, this recipe combines the nuttiness of black beans with the smoky depth of smoked paprika and cumin. Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, it’s a family-friendly dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights. Customize it with a dash of red pepper flakes for heat, a garnish of fresh cilantro for brightness, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch. This vegetarian pasta dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for those craving a blend of rich flavors and wholesome ingredients.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups black beans, cooked or canned (drained and rinsed)
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 0.5 cup milk (or plant-based alternative)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese or vegan alternative (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
Add the black beans, smoked paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the beans are heated through.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese and milk to the skillet, stirring until the cream cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to combine flavors.
Remove the skillet from heat. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a vegan alternative, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
436 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.1 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.2 g | 41% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 38 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 764 mg | 33% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 49.2 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.4 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.8 g | ||
| Protein | 16.1 g | 32% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 187 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 517 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
