Pasta with Spicy Black Bean Sauce
Elevate your pasta night with this bold and flavorful Pasta with Spicy Black Bean Sauce, a vibrant fusion of Italian comfort and Latin-inspired zest. This quick and easy recipe pairs al dente pasta with a smoky, spiced black bean sauce made with garlic, red chili flakes, smoked paprika, and lime juice. The creamy beans create a velvety texture, while hints of cumin and fresh cilantro add depth and freshness to every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in under 35 minutes and is easily adaptable for vegan or gluten-free diets by skipping the parmesan and opting for tamari. Serve it as is for a hearty, wholesome meal, or customize with optional toppings for a restaurant-worthy finish. Bursting with bold flavors and textures, this spicy pasta dish is sure to liven up your dinner table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 units Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Red chili flakes
- 1.5 cups Black beans, cooked or canned (drained and rinsed)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 cup Vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tbsp Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1 tbsp Lime juice, fresh
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, drain the pasta, and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the red chili flakes to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds to release their aroma.
Stir in the black beans, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Mix well to combine.
Add smoked paprika, cumin, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Use a wooden spoon or a potato masher to gently mash about half of the black beans in the skillet, leaving the rest whole for texture.
Stir in the lime juice and adjust the seasoning to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the spicy black bean sauce.
Serve warm, topped with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
329 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 10.3 g | 13% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.4 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 6 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 853 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.3 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.4 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.9 g | ||
| Protein | 14.0 g | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 126 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 522 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.
