Tomato-Bean Pasta with Basil
A quick weeknight pasta dish using pantry staples for a vibrant, herb-infused sauce that comes together in under 20 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, can crushed tomatoes, can, rinsed white beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can, rinsed white beans
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh, chopped basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated (optional) parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 14 oz can crushed tomatoes, 15 oz can rinsed white beans, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then add drained spaghetti and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water. Toss to coat, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil until combined.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato-Bean Pasta with Basil take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Tomato-Bean Pasta with Basil?
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 Tomato-Bean Pasta with Basil?
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 Tomato-Bean Pasta with Basil 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 Tomato-Bean Pasta with Basil 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 this recipe! It's so easy and the beans make it hearty. I'll be making it again for my husband.
- ★★★★★
This was a perfect weeknight dinner! The basil added such a fresh note to the tomato-bean sauce. My family loved it.
- ★★★★☆
Cooked it for my kids and it turned out great. Took a bit longer than expected to cook the beans to the right tenderness, but worth it.
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