Easy & Budget-Friendly Pasta with Beans Recipe: A Delicious $5 Dinner

Looking for a satisfying, affordable, and incredibly easy dinner option? This Pasta with Beans recipe is your answer! Packed with protein and bursting with Italian-inspired flavors, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and budget-conscious families. Whether you call it Pasta with Beans or Tuscan White Bean Pasta, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a new family favorite.

This simple white bean pasta is a fantastic way to utilize pantry staples while creating a high-quality, flavorful meal without excessive effort. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, making it perfect for using up leftover vegetables or adding a personal touch with your favorite herbs and spices.

For those who enjoy a little extra indulgence, consider pairing this pasta with some warm, crusty garlic toast or garlic bread. It adds a delicious complement to the hearty pasta and elevates the meal to a truly satisfying experience.

Ingredients for Pasta with Beans Dinner

• Oil: Olive oil or avocado oil, whichever you prefer.
• Seasonings: Minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Pasta: Elbow pasta is a great choice, but any pasta shape will work well.
• Beans: One can of Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed.
• Sauce: Your favorite brand and flavor of pasta sauce.
• Frozen Veggies: Any mix of your choice, such as peas and carrots, broccoli, or mixed vegetables.

How to Make Pasta with Beans Dinner: Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful and satisfying Pasta with Beans dinner:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.

2. Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic: In the same pot, add olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

4. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the pasta sauce, drained beans, frozen vegetables, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture and stir well to combine. Heat through for another minute or two, then serve hot.

How to Store Pasta with White Beans:

If you have leftover pasta with beans, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Tips and Tricks for White Bean Pasta Recipe:

Beans to Use:

While Great Northern beans are excellent in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other types of beans. Cannellini beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, or even lentils can be used as substitutes to add different flavors and textures to the dish.

Optional Ingredients to Add:

Customize your pasta with these optional ingredients to enhance the flavor and nutritional value:

1. Lemon zest or lemon juice for a bright, citrusy flavor.
2. Bell peppers, diced and added during the simmering process for a hint of sweetness and crunch.
3. Leafy greens like fresh spinach or kale, stirred in at the end for added nutrients.
4. Sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of intense, savory flavor.
5. Parmesan cheese, grated and sprinkled on top for a salty, umami-rich finish.
6. Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
7. Fresh basil or fresh parsley as a garnish for added freshness and aroma.

Can I Add Cooking Liquid?

Yes, you can! If you want to add more flavor and thicken the sauce, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Add the pasta water to the sauce a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The starch in the pasta water will help to bind the sauce and pasta together, creating a creamier texture.

More One-Pot Recipes:

If you enjoy the convenience of one-pot meals, here are a few more recipes to try:

• 3 Ingredient One Pot Sausage Pasta
• Dump and Go Garlic Chicken Pasta Casserole
• Rotisserie Chicken with Orzo Skillet
• Easy Chicken Fried Rice

5 from 1 vote

Pasta with Beans Dinner

By:

Julia Pacheco

Keep dinner simple, affordable, and flavorful with this simple Pasta with Beans Dinner recipe, made with simple pantry ingredients.

Prep:

2
minutes

mins

Cook:

18
minutes

mins

Total:

20
minutes

mins

Servings:

4
servings

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