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Easy • Vegetarian

Cozy White Bean and Tomato Pasta

A comforting vegetarian pasta dish with hearty white beans, rich tomatoes, and fresh herbs, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Prep
5 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Level
Easy
Cozy White Bean and Tomato Pasta

Sometimes, all you need is a big bowl of comforting pasta, and this Cozy White Bean and Tomato Pasta delivers just that! It's a truly simple, vegetarian dish that uses pantry staples to create something wonderfully satisfying and incredibly flavorful. Plus, it's ready in about 25 minutes, making it a dream for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 lb short pasta (e.g., ditalini, small shells, orecchiette)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15-oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 cups vegetable broth (or water)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.

  2. Step 2

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, rinsed cannellini beans, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.

  3. Step 3

    Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the pasta to the pot, stirring well to ensure it's submerged.

  4. Step 4

    Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or according to pasta package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, creating a rich sauce.

  5. Step 5

    Remove from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and season generously with salt and black pepper as needed. The beans and tomatoes might need more salt than you think!

  6. Step 6

    Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh basil, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan.

Tips

  • If the pasta seems too thick, add a splash more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • For added depth of flavor, add a bay leaf to the sauce while it simmers, removing it before serving.
  • Try adding a handful of fresh spinach at the end for extra greens; it will wilt quickly in the heat.
  • A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil before serving adds a lovely finish.

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