If you are looking for a vibrant, comforting, and packed-with-flavor pasta dish, this Garlicky Cherry Tomato Pasta with White Beans Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine sweet cherry tomatoes bursting in your mouth, paired with tender white beans and a garlicky sauce that’s rich, yet light enough to keep things fresh. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that dazzles with minimal effort, all while offering a satisfying combination of textures and bold tastes that feel like a hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the top left, five peeled white garlic cloves rest on a small round wooden board. Below the garlic, a white bowl with black spots is filled with pale beige white beans. Next to it, a small white bowl holds greenish-yellow olive oil. Above the oil, a halved shallot shows its purple and white layers. To the right of the shallot, a bright red vine of eight cherry tomatoes lies beside a large textured green leafy kale leaf. Below the tomatoes and kale, a small white speckled bowl contains dry yellow spiral pasta. To its left, a small white bowl is filled with dark olives. At the right edge near the bottom, a bottle with pale yellow liquid is visible. Above the bottle, a turquoise ceramic spoon holds red chili flakes, and next to it is a black spoon with coarse white salt. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Garlicky Cherry Tomato Pasta with White Beans Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one adds a unique note—from the fragrant garlic and sweet shallots to the juicy cherry tomatoes and hearty white beans. Together, they create layers of flavor, color, and inviting textures.

Olive oil (3 Tbsp): The base for sautéing that brings a fruity richness to the dish.
Garlic (5 medium cloves, sliced): Infuses the entire meal with its signature aromatic and pungent kick.
Shallot (1 small, minced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth; optional but highly recommended.
Cherry tomatoes (4 cups): These juicy bursts provide both sweetness and acidity, brightening the dish.
Water or white wine (1/2 cup): Helps steam the tomatoes and adds subtle complexity when using wine.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp): Gives a gentle heat that wakes up the flavors without overpowering.
Sea salt (1/2-3/4 tsp): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other tastes.
Pasta (12 oz.): Your favorite type—penne, spaghetti, or fusilli all work beautifully.
Kale (1/2 bunch, chopped): Brings a wonderful earthiness and a vibrant green contrast to the reds.
White beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): Adds creamy texture and protein, making the dish more filling.
Kalamata olives (1/2 cup, chopped): Impart a briny depth that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Reserved pasta water (1/2-3/4 cup): Helps marry the sauce and pasta with silky smoothness.
Vegan parmesan cheese: Optional, for a cheesy finishing touch without dairy.

How to Make Garlicky Cherry Tomato Pasta with White Beans Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Garlic and Shallots

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and minced shallots, then sauté them gently until they become translucent and fragrant. This step forms the fragrant foundation of the dish and helps release those irresistible savory notes that will flavor everything.

Step 2: Cooking the Cherry Tomatoes

Next, toss in the cherry tomatoes along with water or white wine, red pepper flakes, and sea salt. Stir everything to coat the tomatoes evenly, then cover the skillet and let the tomatoes steam for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the skins start to burst, releasing their juices and creating a luscious sauce base.

Step 3: Cooking the Pasta

While the tomatoes are softening, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions. Be sure to reserve 3/4 cup of pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid is crucial to adjust the sauce’s consistency later on.

Step 4: Combining Ingredients in the Sauce

Remove the lid from the tomato mixture and add the chopped kale, white beans, and chopped Kalamata olives. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes until the liquid has nearly evaporated. Then stir in half a cup of the reserved pasta water, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly while coating the veggies and beans beautifully.

Step 5: Bringing It All Together

Pour the drained pasta directly into the sauce and toss everything to ensure every strand or piece is luxuriously coated. Use the remaining pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your liking. Give it a final taste test and adjust salt or red pepper flakes if you want a little more punch.

How to Serve Garlicky Cherry Tomato Pasta with White Beans Recipe

A black pan sits on a white marbled surface filled with a dish that has multiple layers: the bottom layer is soft cooked red cherry tomatoes with a shiny, slightly wrinkled texture; above this is a bed of chopped dark green leafy vegetables spread unevenly; on top is a mix of light beige white beans and sliced dark purple olives scattered across the greens and tomatoes. A woman's hand holding a wooden spoon with a rich brown color is stirring the contents from the left side, while another woman's hand grips the pan handle wrapped with a mustard yellow cloth on the bottom right. Nearby, there are some scattered leafy greens, a white spoon with red chili flakes, and a white bowl with a yellow liquid, all on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Serving this pasta with a sprinkle of vegan parmesan cheese elevates it to something quite special. Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving can also enhance flavors and add a silky finish.

Side Dishes

Keep sides light and complementary. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread works beautifully alongside to round out the meal without overshadowing the pasta’s vibrant flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting presentation, plate the pasta in rustic bowls and nestle it around a small mound of fresh greens or microgreens. Alternatively, serve this dish family-style on a large platter so everyone can help themselves to a colorful and hearty meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Garlicky Cherry Tomato Pasta with White Beans Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4 or 5 days, making it a perfect candidate for easy lunches or quick dinners during a busy week.

Freezing

This particular recipe does not freeze well due to the fresh tomatoes and kale. The texture of the beans and wilted greens might change, so it’s better to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, use a skillet over medium heat to gently warm the pasta and sauce, adding a splash of water if it feels dry. This method helps maintain the texture and flavor far better than microwaving, though the microwave is a convenient option if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I substitute kale with other greens?

Absolutely! Spinach or arugula work wonderfully and can be added just at the end of cooking to keep their vibrant color and fresh taste.

Is this dish suitable for vegans?

Yes, this recipe is vegan as written, especially if you use vegan parmesan cheese or leave it out entirely. It is a hearty and flavorful option for plant-based diets.

Can I use a different type of bean?

You can swap white beans for cannellini or navy beans. Just make sure they are cooked and rinsed before adding to the pasta sauce to maintain the right texture.

How spicy is this pasta?

The heat mainly comes from the red pepper flakes. The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon, which provides a gentle warmth that can be adjusted according to your preference.

What pasta shape works best for this recipe?

Any pasta shape works here, but short pastas like penne or fusilli will hold the sauce nicely, while spaghetti offers a classic, twirlable presentation.

Final Thoughts

This Garlicky Cherry Tomato Pasta with White Beans Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings seasonal freshness and comfort all in one bowl. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, it’s a dish that feels special without the fuss. Try it soon—you might just make it a new favorite!