Description
Tomato Bean Pasta is a simple, hearty, and budget-friendly meal made with tender pasta, protein-rich beans, and a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s comforting, filling, and perfect for easy weeknight dinners that come together quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Produce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Canned Goods
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) white beans or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Dairy & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté onion: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add tomatoes and beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and add the drained and rinsed white beans. Stir to combine.
- Season and simmer: Add the dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Reduce heat to low-medium and let the sauce simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato bean sauce and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chickpeas or kidney beans for the white beans if preferred.
- For extra nutrition and color, add spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering the sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning after simmering to ensure the flavors are balanced.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days; reheat on stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
