Penne with White Beans and Spinach

Let's face it, nothing in the world beats a good pasta dish.  Around this house, it's our #1 friend in the kitchen, and I fell in love with this recipe when I tried it for the first time a few months ago.  I start with these fun items: 

• white beans
• lemons
• sun-dried tomatoes
• spinach
• CHEEEEEESE!  E taught me (on our first date, actually) that Pecorino Romano is the way to go.  Any time you're tempted to go with Parmesan, stop, and turn to Pecorino.  

Chop your goodies while the pasta boils:

I started sautéing some garlic and olive oil.....and then POW, I got a kitty in my face.

After you get the kitty out of the way, mix the cooked pasta, beans, spinach, tomatoes, lemon zest and juice, Pecorino Romano, and some cayenne pepper.  (Don't worry, I'm not Man Hands. This is Erik!)

 After cooking down the spinach, I turn up the heat and let the pasta cook a little bit in the pan.  I also add a little bit of pasta water, and mash the white beans so they turn into a creamy paste.

Yummy!