6 Sauces That Cook While the Pasta Does

Old-School Pasta e Fagioli for People Who Can't Spend 2 Hours on Dinner

Best with ditalini or tubetini

Pasta and beans are a classic combination. Here's how to get maximum flavor in just minutes: In a few tablespoons of olive oil, sauté a chopped onion and a rib of sliced celery. Add a small can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes or 1 or 2 chopped fresh plum tomatoes, a small can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans (alternately, you can use peas), a small can of vegetable or chicken stock, salt and pepper. Simmer and then mix in the cooked pasta.