This White Bean and Tomato Pasta is a celebration of simplicity. Creamy cannellini beans blended with lemon and garlic create a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to penne, while sautéed cherry tomatoes add a pop of freshness and a hint of sweetness. The result? A satisfying, nutritious pasta dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this recipe delivers both comfort and nutrition. It’s vegetarian, packed with fiber and protein from the beans, and light enough to enjoy year-round. Plus, it’s ready in under 25 minutes, making it a go-to for busy evenings.
Full Recipe:
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8 oz penne pasta
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1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
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2 cloves garlic, chopped
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Juice of 1 lemon
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3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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2 cups cherry tomatoes
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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In a food processor, blend cannellini beans, garlic, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon olive oil until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
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Heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add red pepper flakes and cherry tomatoes; cook for about 2 minutes until tomatoes are just warmed and slightly blistered.
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Stir in the white bean puree and mix well. Add cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
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Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: 312 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Delicious Fusion of Simplicity and Nutrition
White Bean and Tomato Pasta is more than just a weeknight dinner—it’s a celebration of whole ingredients coming together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. This dish blends the creamy texture of pureed cannellini beans with the vibrant sweetness of cherry tomatoes, delivering a rich, yet light and balanced flavor profile. As plant-based eating becomes more popular and necessary, meals like this represent the ideal in wholesome, accessible, and satisfying vegetarian cooking.
The creamy sauce, created by blending white beans with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice, offers a healthy alternative to traditional dairy-based pasta sauces. It’s perfect for those seeking dairy-free or lighter meals, without sacrificing taste or texture. The cherry tomatoes, warmed just enough to release their natural juices, add bursts of acidity and sweetness that cut through the richness of the bean purée. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds depth and a slight umami kick, completing a well-rounded and harmonious flavor experience.
The Perfect Balance of Creamy and Fresh
Unlike heavy cream sauces that can overpower the palate and leave you feeling sluggish, the sauce in this recipe is smooth and velvety, yet light and refreshing. The use of cannellini beans gives it body and creaminess without added fats or thickeners. Plus, their mild, slightly nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the tartness of lemon juice and the warmth of freshly cooked garlic.
The lightly sautéed cherry tomatoes offer contrast in both taste and texture. Their juicy interiors and slightly blistered skins contribute to the visual appeal and elevate the dish’s sensory qualities. This balance between the creamy sauce and the fresh, acidic tomato notes makes this pasta both comforting and bright, ideal for year-round enjoyment.
Packed With Nutrition
One of the standout aspects of this pasta is its nutritional profile. Cannellini beans are a powerhouse of plant-based protein and fiber. They promote satiety, support digestion, and help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Additionally, beans are rich in essential micronutrients like iron, magnesium, potassium, and folate.
Tomatoes, on the other hand, are an excellent source of vitamin C, lycopene, and antioxidants that support immune function and protect against chronic disease. When paired with olive oil—a healthy fat known for its anti-inflammatory properties and heart-healthy benefits—the nutritional value of this dish becomes even more impressive.
This recipe manages to be both indulgent and nutrient-dense, proving that healthy food doesn’t have to be bland or boring. It’s a stellar example of how whole, unprocessed ingredients can be used to create truly satisfying meals.
A Great Base for Customization
While the base recipe is delicious as is, it also serves as an excellent canvas for personalization. For those who like a bit more heat, increasing the red pepper flakes or adding a touch of smoked paprika can add depth and spice. For a heartier meal, consider adding roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
You can also switch up the pasta type to suit dietary needs—whole wheat pasta for more fiber, gluten-free pasta for those with sensitivities, or even spiralized vegetables for a lower-carb alternative. The versatility of the white bean sauce makes it compatible with many flavor profiles and ingredients.
For a non-vegetarian variation, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even Italian sausage can be added for an extra boost of protein. However, it’s worth noting that the dish holds its own beautifully without the need for meat.
Budget-Friendly and Pantry-Ready
One of the greatest strengths of this dish is how budget-conscious and pantry-friendly it is. Most of the ingredients are shelf-stable or long-lasting, such as dried pasta, canned beans, garlic, and olive oil. Even cherry tomatoes, when stored properly, last well in the fridge, and Parmesan cheese can be kept for weeks.
This makes the recipe perfect for those looking to prepare wholesome meals without frequent trips to the grocery store. It’s also ideal for students, busy parents, or anyone seeking to cut down on food waste and maximize what’s already in their kitchen.
When you think about the cost per serving compared to takeout or restaurant pasta dishes, it’s clear that this recipe offers incredible value—both nutritionally and financially.
Appealing to a Wide Audience
Another remarkable trait of this recipe is its universal appeal. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone just learning their way around the kitchen, the process of making this dish is approachable and unintimidating. The use of a food processor simplifies the sauce creation, and the cooking steps are minimal and easy to follow.
It’s also a great dish to introduce to children or picky eaters. The familiar comfort of pasta combined with the mild and creamy sauce often makes it more acceptable to younger palates. At the same time, the subtle sophistication of flavors ensures that adults enjoy it just as much.
This dish caters to vegetarians, flexitarians, and even omnivores who simply want a break from meat-heavy meals. It’s a meal that checks nearly all boxes: easy, healthy, delicious, and inclusive.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
White Bean and Tomato Pasta stores beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. The sauce clings to the pasta even after refrigeration, and the flavors continue to meld and develop, often making the leftovers taste even better the next day.
It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, a quick turn in the microwave or a gentle warm-up on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth will bring it right back to life. Add a fresh grating of Parmesan on top, and you’ve got another cozy, satisfying meal ready in minutes.
Environmentally Conscious Eating
Choosing plant-based meals like this pasta dish is also a step toward more sustainable eating. Beans have a much lower environmental impact compared to animal proteins, requiring less water, land, and energy to produce. By including more bean-based meals in your weekly rotation, you’re contributing to a more eco-friendly food system.
Moreover, this dish minimizes food waste thanks to its use of whole ingredients and leftovers that reheat well. It demonstrates how you can enjoy flavorful meals while making mindful, responsible choices for the planet.
Conclusion: A Dish to Return to Again and Again
White Bean and Tomato Pasta is a modern classic in the making. With its creamy yet refreshing sauce, nutrient-dense ingredients, and easy-to-execute instructions, it’s the kind of recipe that fits effortlessly into any lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to eat more plant-based meals, save money, cook healthier, or simply find something new to love, this dish delivers on all fronts.
It’s not just a recipe—it’s a foundation. A starting point for creativity. A dependable weeknight favorite. A dish that feels indulgent while being rooted in simplicity and wellness.
Try it once, and it’s likely to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.