One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Cannellini Beans

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

A hearty, protein-packed weeknight meal with rich tomato sauce and creamy beans, ready in 30 minutes with just one pot. This italian-inspired one pot (high-protein, vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, chopped fresh basil, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp dried oregano, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant — do not brown.
  3. Step 3: Add 14 oz diced fire-roasted tomatoes (undrained) and 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans to the skillet, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup vegetable broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 1 tsp salt, then bring to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce clings to the pasta. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, then cook for 1 more minute until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Cannellini Beans 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 Basil Pasta with Cannellini 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 Basil Pasta with Cannellini 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 Basil Pasta with Cannellini 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 Basil Pasta with Cannellini Beans high-protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high-protein, 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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