One-Pan Pasta alla Gricia Inspired Bean Protein

100g canned cannellini beans (with liquid) 50g guanciale or pancetta, diced 30g Pecorino Romano cheese, grated 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper 1 small garlic clove, peeled Salt to taste 1 tbsp olive oil

A savory one-pan dish that uses creamy canned beans as a starchy base to replace pasta, combined with crispy guanciale, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper for a protein-rich, satisfying meal.

Steps

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. 2. Add the diced guanciale and the garlic clove; cook until guanciale is crispy and garlic is fragrant, then remove the garlic. 3. Drain half the liquid from the canned beans into a bowl and reserve. 4. Add the beans (with remaining liquid) into the pan with guanciale; gently mash some beans with the back of a spoon to release starch and create creaminess. 5. Pour the reserved bean liquid back into the pan to loosen the mixture and stir well. 6. Reduce heat to low and stir in Pecorino Romano and black pepper until melted and creamy, creating an emulsified sauce. 7. Check seasoning and add salt if needed. 8. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Pecorino and black pepper on top.