Rush-hour Gourmet

If the aroma of this pasta "sauce" doesn't attract takers, something must be wrong with their sense of smell. And, with the exception of toasting pine nuts, it's a one-pot experience.

4 servings

2 9-ounce packages fresh cheese tortellini (in the refrigerated case)

2 to 3 tablespoons oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, with 3 tablespoons of their oil

4 medium shallots

4 medium cloves garlic

4 bunches watercress or 8 cups arugula

1/3 cup pine nuts

1 15.5-ounce can cannellini beans

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

1. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions. Drain and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes; toss to coat.

2.

Meanwhile, mince the shallots and garlic; there should be about 1/2 cup total. Finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes, reserving any excess oil. Rinse and dry the watercress or arugula, discarding any tough stems. Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes; stir to make sure they do not burn. Drain and rinse the cannellini beans.

3.

In the pot used to cook the tortellini, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic; cook for about 2 minutes, until soft. Add the crushed red pepper flakes, then the watercress or arugula, vegetable broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and oil to taste; salt and pepper to taste, stir and mix well. Cook for about 2 minutes or until the greens wilt.

4.

Add the drained beans and cook for 1 minute, stirring to combine and heat through. The liquid should be bubbling slightly.

5.

Add the tortellini and stir gently to combine. Remove from the heat and add the toasted pine nuts. Divide among individual wide, shallow bowls. Sprinkle with the cheese, if using. Serve hot.

From Vegetarian Times Fast and Easy: Great Food You Can Make in Minutes (Wiley)

Per serving:

522 calories, 26 grams protein, 74 grams carbohydrates, 15 grams fat, 36 milligrams cholesterol, 1006 milligrams sodium, 8 grams dietary fiber