One-Pot Creamy Tomato and Bean Pasta
A comforting pasta dish where tomatoes, cannellini beans, and fresh herbs create a rich, velvety sauce in a single pot with minimal cleanup. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 8 oz penne pasta, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and golden.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 oz) can rinsed cannellini beans, 1/4 cup vegetable broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Simmer sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Add drained penne pasta to skillet and toss to coat. Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, cooking for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and sauce coats pasta evenly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Creamy Tomato and 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-Pot Creamy Tomato and 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-Pot Creamy Tomato and 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-Pot Creamy Tomato and 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.
What goes well with One-Pot Creamy Tomato and Bean 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
- ★★★★★
As an Italian, I was impressed with how authentic it tasted.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a weeknight dinner. The creamy tomato sauce was divine.
- ★★★★★
This was so easy and delicious! My kids loved it.
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