Tomato-White Bean Pasta with Fresh Basil

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple, flavorful pasta dish featuring a rich tomato and bean sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This american-inspired pasta (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, small, finely diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.

★ 3.6 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. 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 skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small onion, finely diced, and cook for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 garlic cloves, minced, and cook for 1 minute until aromatic, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon, and add 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce is creamy.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until the cheese melts and the basil is evenly distributed.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato-White Bean Pasta with Fresh Basil 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 Tomato-White Bean Pasta with Fresh 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-White Bean Pasta with Fresh 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-White Bean Pasta with Fresh 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-White Bean Pasta with Fresh Basil vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes