One-Pan Tomato White Bean Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy white beans and sun-ripened tomatoes meld with pasta in a single skillet for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This italian-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, small 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz) and 1 can white beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed). Stir in 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 cup fresh basil, and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add drained penne pasta and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to combine and cook for 2 minutes until sauce clings to pasta and liquid thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and serve immediately with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Tomato White Bean 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 One-Pan Tomato 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 One-Pan Tomato 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 One-Pan Tomato 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 One-Pan Tomato 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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