One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Cannellini Beans

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

A hearty, one-pot dinner featuring al dente pasta in a vibrant tomato-herb sauce with protein-rich beans, perfect for weeknight dinners. This general-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, medium onion 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: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 520 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 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the pot. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the noodles.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Cannellini Beans take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 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 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 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 Tomato Basil Pasta with Cannellini 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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