Budget-Friendly Pasta with Beans and Veggies
A hearty, economical dish combining tender pasta, protein-rich beans, and vibrant frozen vegetables in a simple garlic-olive oil sauce. This italian-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, canned cannellini beans, frozen mixed vegetables for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 15 oz canned cannellini beans
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables and 15 oz drained cannellini beans to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and mix until well coated. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Budget-Friendly Pasta with Beans and Veggies take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Budget-Friendly Pasta with Beans and Veggies?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Budget-Friendly Pasta with Beans and Veggies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Budget-Friendly Pasta with Beans and Veggies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Budget-Friendly Pasta with Beans and Veggies vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
