One-Pan White Bean and Pasta with Greens

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, weeknight-friendly dish featuring tender pasta simmered with cannellini beans and fresh spinach in a garlicky lemon broth. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 70 minutes pairs dried cannellini beans, pasta, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 15 min Cook: 55 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse beans under cold water, then combine with 4 cups water in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes until tender, adding more water if needed.
  2. Step 2: While beans cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add drained pasta to the pot with the beans, then pour in 2 cups vegetable broth. Stir in 1/2 cup reserved bean cooking liquid, bring to a simmer, and cook for 8 minutes until pasta is tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 cups fresh spinach until wilted, then squeeze in juice from 1 lemon. Season with 1 tsp sea salt and cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan White Bean and Pasta with Greens take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (15 min prep + 55 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 White Bean and Pasta with Greens?

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 dried cannellini beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan White Bean and Pasta with Greens?

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 White Bean and Pasta with Greens 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 White Bean and Pasta with Greens vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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