Quick Tomato & White Bean Pasta Primavera

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

A light and flavorful pasta dish featuring sun-ripened tomatoes, creamy white beans, and fresh herbs, ready in 30 minutes for a vibrant weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, white beans, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until they begin to soften, then add 1 can drained white beans and 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously for 1 minute until sauce clings to pasta. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped basil and 2 tbsp chopped parsley, then serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Tomato & White Bean Pasta Primavera 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 Quick Tomato & White Bean Pasta Primavera?

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 Quick Tomato & White Bean Pasta Primavera?

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 Quick Tomato & White Bean Pasta Primavera 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 Quick Tomato & White Bean Pasta Primavera 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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