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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
