Creamy Tomato Pasta with White Beans Recipe
This Creamy Tomato Pasta with White Beans is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Combining tender penne pasta with a rich, creamy tomato sauce enhanced by white beans and parmesan cheese, it offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes. The recipe uses pantry staples like marinara sauce and canned white beans, enriched by coconut milk for a smooth, dairy-like creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb dried penne pasta, or pasta of choice
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 large yellow onion, diced
- 3-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (13.66 FL OZ) can unsweetened coconut milk
- 2 cups shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 (15 oz) cans white beans, such as great northern beans (drained and rinsed)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, bring it to a boil, and add a big pinch of salt. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and a pinch of salt. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic, dried oregano, granulated garlic, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the garlic is cooked.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and unsweetened coconut milk. Stir to combine thoroughly. Cook the sauce until it starts to simmer. Then add shredded parmesan cheese and mix until melted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Beans: Add the rinsed white beans and cooked pasta into the sauce. Stir everything together well and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat and stir in freshly chopped parsley if desired. Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot with a side of vegetables and bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Unsweetened coconut milk adds creaminess without dairy, but you can substitute with heavy cream or another plant-based milk if preferred.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms if not keeping it vegetarian.
