One-Pot Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta with White Beans
A protein-packed pasta simmered in a rich tomato-herb sauce with white beans and fresh spinach. This italian-inspired one pot (vegetarian, high-protein) ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, (15 oz) can, drained cannellini beans, (28 oz) can diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 spaghetti
- 1 (15 oz) can, drained cannellini beans
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 12 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 cup vegetable broth, 1 (15 oz) can drained cannellini beans, and 1 tsp salt; simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the pot, stirring to coat. Simmer for 2 minutes until sauce clings to pasta.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 4 cups fresh spinach until wilted. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, then serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta with White Beans take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Spinach Pasta with White Beans?
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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta with White Beans?
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 Spinach Pasta with White Beans 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-Pot Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta with White Beans vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
