One-Pot Rustic Tomato and Bean Pasta
A hearty one-pot Italian-inspired pasta simmered with canned tomatoes, white beans, and fragrant herbs for a comforting meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, medium diced onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium diced onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 28 oz can canned diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups (such as cannellini) cooked white beans
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup (optional) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 28 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juices, 1 1/2 cups cooked white beans, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1/2 cup water, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then add 12 oz penne pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked al dente and sauce thickens.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese if using. Serve hot garnished with extra basil or cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Rustic Tomato and Bean Pasta 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 Rustic 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Rustic 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 Rustic Tomato and Bean Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Rustic Tomato and Bean Pasta 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.
