One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Spinach and White Beans

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

A comforting pasta dish where tomatoes, white beans, and fresh basil create a rich sauce that clings to al dente noodles. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs Penne pasta, (15 oz), drained and rinsed White beans, halved Cherry tomatoes 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 boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) drained white beans, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 3 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup vegetable broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Add drained penne pasta and 2 cups fresh spinach to the pot. Stir in 1 cup reserved pasta water and cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats pasta evenly.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Spinach and White 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 Spinach and 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 penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Spinach and 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 Basil Pasta with Spinach and 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 Basil Pasta with Spinach and White Beans 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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