Pasta and Potatoes (Pasta e Patate)

Pasta e patate is classic Italian comfort food, a stewy combo of tender potatoes that have been simmered until they begin to break down, creating a velvety sauce for the pasta that cooks right in the mix. We learned several versions on a recent visit to southern Italy; our recipe combines the qualities we liked in those, and includes beans (canned, for convenience). Roman beans, which are firm yet creamy, also are known as borlotti or cranberry beans; if not available, look instead for pink beans. If you have a piece of Parmesan rind, toss it into the pot; it will infuse the stew with umami and an extra layer of flavor. Italians typically cook a mix of dried pasta shapes into this dish—it’s a way to use up odds and ends in the pantry—so feel free to add whatever you like, though short, smallish shapes are best.