Pasta with White Beans and Rapini

Trim base of rapini stalks. In large pot of boiling salted water, cover and cook rapini until tender, about 2 minutes. With slotted spoon, transfer to colander to drain. Chop into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces; set aside.

In same pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until tender but firm, 8 to 10 minutes. Reserving 1/2 cup (125 mL) of the cooking liquid, drain and return to pot.

Meanwhile, in large skillet, heat 1 tsp (5 mL) of the oil over medium heat; fry bread crumbs and one-quarter of the garlic, stirring, until golden, about 3 minutes. Transfer to bowl; set aside.

In same skillet, heat remaining oil over medium heat; fry remaining garlic and hot pepper flakes, stirring, until golden, about 1 minute. Stir in rapini and beans; heat through, about 3 minutes. Add to pasta and toss to coat, adding some of the reserved cooking liquid if desired. Serve sprinkled with bread crumb mixture.

Serves 4.

Nutrient analysis: 712 calories; 28 g protein; 21 g fat; 111 g carb; 18 g fibre; 1.1 mg sodium