Garage Sale Pantry Pasta
A hearty pasta dish made with humble pantry staples, perfect for a budget-friendly meal from a vintage estate sale. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, small, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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 penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small, finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed white beans
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz penne pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 small finely chopped onion, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and translucent.
- Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice) and 1 can drained white beans.
- Step 4: Simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in 1/4 cup vegetable broth and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, cooking for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Add the drained penne pasta and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing well to coat; season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then cook for 2 minutes until pasta is heated through and sauce coats the strands.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garage Sale Pantry Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Garage Sale Pantry Pasta?
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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garage Sale Pantry Pasta?
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 Garage Sale Pantry Pasta 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.
What goes well with Garage Sale Pantry Pasta?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
