Italian Sauteed Spinach and White Bean Pasta
A rustic pasta dish combining tender sautéed spinach, creamy white beans, and garlic-infused olive oil for a wholesome meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, roughly chopped fresh spinach, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 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
- 10 oz penne pasta
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed canned white beans
- 5 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves, thinly sliced garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/3 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add 10 oz penne pasta. Cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 5 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes until wilted.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed white beans, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
- Step 5: Add the drained pasta and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing to combine. Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly. Serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Sauteed Spinach and White Bean Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Italian Sauteed Spinach and White Bean 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 Italian Sauteed Spinach and White Bean 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 Italian Sauteed Spinach and White Bean 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.
Is Italian Sauteed Spinach and White Bean Pasta 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.
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