Tomato Basil Pasta with White Beans and Spinach
A hearty and healthy stovetop pasta dish combining tender pasta, white beans, fresh spinach, and a bright tomato basil sauce. Easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Main Ingredients
- Seasoning
- Garnish
Let’s make it
Pasta Preparation
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Sauce Preparation
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
Sauce Preparation
Add canned diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir and let the sauce simmer gently for about 8-10 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and sauce to slightly thicken.
Sauce Preparation
Stir in the drained white beans and cook for another 3-4 minutes until warmed through. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Sauce Preparation
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring often, until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
Assembly
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to combine. If needed, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
Assembly
Stir in fresh basil leaves just before serving and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
Serve the pasta warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & notes
Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency when mixing pasta and sauce. Use fresh, good-quality canned tomatoes for best flavor. Add red pepper flakes gradually if you prefer mild heat.
Saving it for later
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate pasta and sauce if possible to keep pasta from soaking up too much moisture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and stir frequently until heated through. Alternatively, microwave with a cover in short intervals, stirring between.
