One-Pot White Bean Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or extra virgin olive oil
plus more to drizzle
- 3 garlic cloves
minced
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ or ⅛ tsp chili flakes*
- 1 can cannellini beans
or Great Northern beans, 15 oz
- ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 ½ cups water or low sodium vegetable broth*
600 ml
- or according to taste½ tsp fine salt
- 8 oz short pasta shapes
220 grams
- 4 oz baby spinach
washed, 120 grams
- 4 oz cherry tomatoes
cut into halves, 120 grams
- 2 oz freshly grated parmesan
plus more to serve, 60 grams
Directions
- 1
Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant and smells good, about 45 seconds.
- 2
Add paprika, chili flakes, beans, black pepper, and give a good stir.
- 3
Add hot water or low sodium vegetable broth, salt, turn to high heat and bring to the boil.
- 4
Stir in pasta, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover with a lid and cook stirring frequently. The amount of liquid is enough to partially cover the pasta (but keep an eye on it to make sure the pasta doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot, and add a touch of water if needed).
- 5
In the last 2 minutes of the pasta's cooking time, add fresh spinach, a handful at a time, and cherry tomatoes. Stir until the spinach is wilted, it takes a couple of minutes.
- 6
Turn off the heat, finish the dish with freshly grated parmesan, and give a good stir until the cheese melts and the pasta looks well combined (taste and adjust the season according to your taste if needed).
- 7
Serve immediately with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, more freshly ground black pepper and parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy!
One-Pot White Bean Pasta
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About this Recipe
Craving a deeply satisfying, incredibly easy weeknight dinner? This One-Pot White Bean Pasta delivers a comforting, flavorful meal that’s ready in mere minutes, perfect for busy evenings when you need something delicious on the table fast.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this white bean pasta lies in its ingenious one-pot preparation. Everything—from the savory garlic and paprika to the hearty cannellini beans and tender pasta—cooks together in a single pot. This not only makes for minimal cleanup but also infuses every bite with rich, cohesive flavors that taste like they’ve simmered for hours.
What truly sets this one-pot wonder apart is its ability to create a big-flavor meal with fresh ingredients and pantry staples in under 15 minutes. It’s a testament to smart cooking, ensuring you get comforting, protein-packed, veggie-rich goodness without any fuss.
What to Expect
Prepare for a wonderfully creamy and comforting pasta dish that’s bursting with fresh flavor. The short pasta shapes, like fusilli or penne, cook perfectly tender, soaking up all the fragrant liquid and savory notes from the garlic, paprika, and chili flakes. Cannellini or Great Northern beans contribute a delightful creaminess and satisfying protein, while the fresh baby spinach wilts into the sauce and the cherry tomatoes burst, adding bright pops of sweetness and acidity. You’ll find a harmonious balance of savory, slightly spicy warmth in every spoonful.
Customization & Variations
This versatile white bean pasta can easily be adapted to your pantry and palate. Feel free to adjust the amount of chili flakes to control the heat—use less for a milder dish or more for an extra kick. While the recipe suggests cannellini or Great Northern beans, you can stick to your preferred creamy white bean. For the liquid, low sodium vegetable broth will enhance the savory depth compared to water, and is a great option for a vegetarian meal. Any favorite short pasta shapes like bow ties or rigatoni will work beautifully here.
Serving & Context
This One-Pot White Bean Pasta is an ideal family meal for any busy weeknight. Serve it warm straight from the pot, topped with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and an extra drizzle of good quality olive oil for a rich finish. It’s a wholesome and satisfying dish that stands perfectly on its own.