Bean Broccoli Kimchi Pasta Bake (Printable Version)
# What You’ll Need:
→ Base
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 red onion, thinly sliced
03 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 heaping cup blanched broccoli florets
05 -
1 can (15 oz / 400g) white beans or 1.5 cups cooked from scratch
06 -
1 can (500 ml / 16 oz) tomato sauce or passata
07 -
250 g (about 8 oz) pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, or shells)
08 -
Salt and pepper to taste
09 -
1 tsp paprika
10 -
½ tsp cayenne pepper
→ Creamy kimchi tofu sauce
11 -
1/2 block (approx. 150g) silken tofu
12 -
1/2 cup cooked white beans (reserved from the can or batch)
13 -
1-2 tbsp kimchi with a splash of its juice
14 -
1-2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
→ To serve
15 -
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add sliced red onion and cook for 6-8 minutes until soft and slightly browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 -
Stir in blanched broccoli florets. If using raw broccoli, steam or blanch it beforehand for 2-3 minutes to achieve tender-crisp texture. Cook for 4-5 minutes until broccoli starts to brown at the edges.
04 -
Pour in tomato sauce, add paprika and cayenne pepper, and stir. Add white beans and cooked pasta. Toss gently until all ingredients are well coated. Turn off heat.
05 -
In a blender or food processor, combine silken tofu, reserved white beans, kimchi (plus juice), and soy sauce. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed with more kimchi or soy sauce.
06 -
Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta-bean-broccoli mixture and combine evenly. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen. Transfer the pan to the oven or pour into a greased baking dish. Broil on high for 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Watch closely.
07 -
Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top. Serve hot.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Steam or blanch broccoli beforehand to ensure a tender-crisp texture.
02 -
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.