Pantry-Style Tomato Basil Pasta with White Beans

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

A pantry-friendly pasta dish with tomatoes, white beans, and fresh basil simmered to a rich, velvety sauce. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, (14 oz) can canned diced tomatoes, (15 oz) can, drained white beans 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: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add diced tomatoes (with juice), white beans, and 1/2 tsp salt to skillet; simmer uncovered for 8 minutes until tomatoes break down.
  4. Step 4: Stir in drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing to coat; add more pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp fresh basil, and serve immediately with remaining basil.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pantry-Style Tomato Basil Pasta with White Beans take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Pantry-Style Tomato Basil Pasta with 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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pantry-Style Tomato Basil Pasta with 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 Pantry-Style Tomato Basil Pasta with 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 Pantry-Style Tomato Basil Pasta with 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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