Shoes on the Table

Every chef or home cook has their own pantry pasta. This is mine. Inspired by TikTok videos of bean dishes and pastina, I took to my pantry to create my own version of these comforting meals. This dish is perfect for a rainy winter day, when all you want is a warm hug in a bowl. Easy to prep and clean up after, this dish is made in just one pan, with one cutting board, and one spatula. Your soul will thank you for eating this and your future self will thank you for keeping a clean kitchen.

Yield: 1 large portion or 2 small portions

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo
• ¼ cup shredded or grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ white onion
• 1 clove garlic
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 2 cups chicken broth or chicken bouillon
• ½ can white beans
• parsley
• red pepper flakes, optional
• olive oil

Instructions

1. Dice onion and saute in oil on medium heat. Once translucent add garlic. Make sure the garlic is added later so it doesn’t burn. Once onions and garlic are armotic, add orzo and red pepper flakes to taste to the pan and toast until coated in olive oil and lightly browned.
2. Add 2 cups chicken broth, and let simmer, stirring occasionally. Once the chicken broth has cooked down and been absorbed by the pasta, add white beans, and lightly mash.
3. Once beans are softened, add the wine. Continue to stir.  
4. When most of the liquid has been absorbed, add parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
5. Serve in your favorite bowl and top with extra parmesan, if desired, and parsley.