The Most Important Ingredient in Your Kitchen Is...

A Meal Extender for $1.49: Cannellini Beans

True story: We were once in the middle of throwing together an empty-out-the-fridge weeknight dinner for two that involved three-quarters of a box of pasta, some broccoli florets, garlic, olive oil and lots of Parmesan. A "be there in 10 minutes!" text showed up on our phone from a friend (oops, scheduling misfire), and we started ransacking the pantry to find something to turn the meal into a company-worthy dinner for four of us. A 15-ounce can of cannellini beans came to the rescue. The white beans added heft, provided a creamy contrast to the vegetables and turned pasta and greens into a one-dish, protein-rich supper.

3 More Amazing Ways to Use Cannellini Beans

• This hearty vegetarian dish from Lidia Bastianich
• Cristina Ferrare's easy minestrone
• A bouillabaisse you can make with beans or fish