Budget-Friendly Pasta with Canned Tomatoes
A rich, hearty pasta dish using affordable ingredients, layered with garlic, herbs, and creamy cannellini beans. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs whole wheat spaghetti, canned crushed tomatoes, drained cannellini beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 whole wheat spaghetti
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz, drained cannellini beans
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz whole wheat spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Simmer for 10 minutes, mashing some tomatoes with a spoon to thicken the sauce.
- Step 3: Add 15 oz drained cannellini beans and stir to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add 2-3 tbsp reserved pasta water. Toss in the cooked pasta, coating it well in the sauce. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and serve.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Budget-Friendly Pasta with Canned Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Canned Tomatoes?
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 whole wheat spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Budget-Friendly Pasta with Canned Tomatoes?
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 Canned Tomatoes 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 Canned Tomatoes 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
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
