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Pasta e Fagioli al Forno

Pasta e Fagioli al Forno

Ingredients

  • Salt

  • 1 pound penne rigate or whole wheat penne

  • 1/4 pound pancetta (3-4 slices) thick-cut like bacon

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

  • 2 ribs celery from the heart with leafy tops, chopped

  • 1 carrot, peeled and grated

  • 1 onion, peeled and chopped

  • 2-3 large cloves garlic, finely chopped

  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves finely chopped

  • 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves finely chopped

  • 1 fresh bay leaf

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 can small white beans "Roman" beans (15 ounces), such as Goya brand, or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

  • 1/2 cup dry white wine

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups milk

  • Nutmeg, to taste

  • 1 1/2 cups grated Romano cheese, divided

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then salt it and cook the pasta to just shy of al dente.

Chop the pancetta into 1/4-inch dice.

While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet with EVOO over medium to medium-high heat. Add the pancetta, cook for 2-3 minutes, then add celery, carrot, onions, garlic, rosemary, thyme and bay leaf to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Sauté the vegetables until tender, 6-7 minutes. Add the beans and heat them through. Stir in 1/2 cup wine, simmer for 30 seconds more and turn off the heat. Remove the bay leaf.

While the vegetables cook, place a small saucepot over medium heat and add the butter. Melt the butter, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the milk. Season the sauce with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Reduce for 4-5 minutes, stir in half the grated cheese, then turn off heat and adjust seasoning.

While the sauce cooks, place a rack in the middle of the oven and pre-heat the broiler to high.

Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Toss with the white bean mixture and sauce, stirring to coat. Transfer to a casserole dish, top with the remaining cheese and place in the oven to brown, 5 minutes.