One-Pot Tomato and White Bean Pasta with Fresh Thyme
A simple, hearty pasta dish simmered with tomatoes, cannellini beans, and aromatic thyme, perfect for weeknight dinners. This italian-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, diced yellow onion, minced garlic 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1, diced yellow onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed white beans
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon, chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Step 2: Stir in 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon salt. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 3: Add 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed, 12 ounces spaghetti, and 4 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12-14 minutes until pasta is al dente, stirring once to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Remove lid, add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook uncovered for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats pasta strands.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato and White Bean Pasta with Fresh Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Tomato and White Bean Pasta with Fresh Thyme?
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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato and White Bean Pasta with Fresh Thyme?
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 Tomato and White Bean Pasta with Fresh Thyme 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 Tomato and White Bean Pasta with Fresh Thyme 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! So easy and flavorful. The white beans added a nice creaminess without being heavy.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer! The fresh thyme really elevated the tomatoes and beans. Made it for a weeknight dinner and everyone raved.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick meal. The one-pot aspect saved me so much time. My family asked for seconds!
