Spinach, Lima Bean & Crispy Pancetta Pasta

5.0
(7)
6 Reviews

We opt for fresh spinach pasta here--it cooks quickly and adds a pop of color. Cooking lima beans in pancetta drippings infuses them with flavor.

By
Adam Dolge
Headshot of Adam wearing a blue button up shirt on a white background
Adam Dolge

Adam Dolge is an award-winning journalist, freelance writer and recipe developer. He is the author and food photographer for the blog The Real Recipes, where he shares recipes inspired by his experience working for food magazines and professional test kitchens.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on April 18, 2024
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
Eating Well Bio Page
Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Reviewed by Dietitian
Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD
A portrait of Breana Killeen, M.P.H., RD
Reviewed by Dietitian Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD

Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H, RD, is a Chinese and Jewish chef and dietitian who has worked in all facets of the food world. She is a recipe developer, culinary nutritionist and marketing specialist with more than 15 years of experience creating editorial and digital content for top food and kitchen brands.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
7678351.jpg
Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings
Nutrition Profile:
Nut-Free Healthy Aging Healthy Immunity Soy-Free High-Fiber Low-Calorie
Jump to Nutrition Facts
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

  • 1 (9 ounce) package fresh spinach pasta

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 4 ounces diced pancetta

  • 1 (16 ounce) package frozen baby lima beans, thawed

  • 1 cup sliced shallots

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary

  • 4 cups baby spinach

  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice

  • ¾ cup grated pecorino cheese, divided

Directions

  1. Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of water, then drain the pasta.

  2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate. Add lima beans and shallots to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and rosemary; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

  3. Add the pasta and the reserved water to the pan. Cook, stirring, until the sauce is thickened, about 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice, the pancetta and half the pecorino. Serve the pasta topped with the remaining pecorino.

Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, March 2020

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

477 Calories
16g Fat
62g Carbs
21g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 1/2 cups
Calories 477
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 62g 22%
Dietary Fiber 8g 29%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 21g 42%
Total Fat 16g 21%
Saturated Fat 7g 33%
Cholesterol 74mg 25%
Vitamin A 4439IU 89%
Vitamin C 29mg 32%
Folate 197mcg 49%
Sodium 687mg 30%
Calcium 124mg 10%
Iron 6mg 34%
Magnesium 136mg 32%
Potassium 663mg 14%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Related Articles

Easy Pea & Spinach Carbonara
Easy Pea & Spinach Carbonara
20 mins
7861176.jpg
Spinach & Dill Pasta Salad
15 mins
Pan-Seared Steak with Crispy Herbs & Escarole
Pan-Seared Steak with Crispy Herbs & Escarole
20 mins
spinach-artichoke-dip-pasta
Spinach & Artichoke Dip Pasta
20 mins
A white plate with a serving of the one-pot spinach, chicken sausage & feta pasta recipe
One-Pot Spinach, Chicken Sausage & Feta Pasta
20 mins
5147361.jpg
Lemony Linguine with Spring Vegetables
30 mins
Mediterranean Lettuce Wraps
Chickpea & Roasted Red Pepper Lettuce Wraps with Tahini Dressing
10 mins
5434471.jpg
Crunchy Mexican Salad with Spicy Cilantro Vinaigrette
10 mins
6691966.jpg
Spinach Ravioli with Artichokes & Olives
15 mins
6535785.jpg
Cherry Tomato & Garlic Pasta
20 mins
6176575.jpg
Beef & Bean Sloppy Joes
20 mins
Salmon-Stuffed Avocados
Salmon-Stuffed Avocados
15 mins
6351613.jpg
Quinoa Deli Salad
10 mins
7124995.jpg
Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Salmon
15 mins
3755638.jpg
Elise's Sesame Noodles
20 mins
6349099.jpg
Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto
30 mins