Quick Cannellini Bean & Spinach Pasta Recipe – Easy Italian Comfort Food

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Quick Cannellini Bean & Spinach Pasta Recipe – Easy Italian Comfort Food

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a comforting, flavorful meal that doesn’t take forever to make. This Cannellini Bean & Spinach Pasta is exactly that – a hug in a bowl, ready in under 30 minutes! I first stumbled upon a version of this when I was craving something hearty but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s become a weeknight staple ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta is seriously a winner. It’s packed with goodness from the beans and spinach, super flavorful thanks to the Italian seasoning and garlic, and incredibly easy to throw together. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get a healthy and satisfying meal on the table quickly. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, a cozy weekend lunch, or even a simple dinner party.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious pasta:

• 1.5 tablespoons olive oil (about 22.5ml)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery sticks, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 ½ cups chopped spinach (about 180g)
• ⅔ cup cannellini beans (about 160g)
• 15 oz crushed tomatoes (about 425g)
• ¾ cup elbow pasta (about 150g)
• 6 cups vegetable broth (about 1.4 liters)
• 2 teaspoons grated parmesan cheese (about 8g)
• 1 ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning (about 7g)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (about 0.6g)
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

Olive Oil Varieties & Quality

I prefer using extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor, but any good quality olive oil will work. Don’t be afraid to splurge a little – you can really taste the difference!

Garlic: Regional Indian Variations & Uses

Garlic is a cornerstone of Indian cooking too, you know! While this is an Italian-inspired dish, I always think about how versatile garlic is. From tempering dal to flavoring curries, it’s a must-have in my kitchen. Freshly minced garlic is always best, but in a pinch, you can use pre-minced.

Cannellini Beans: A Healthy & Versatile Ingredient

Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, are a fantastic source of protein and fiber. They have a lovely creamy texture that works beautifully in this pasta. You can use canned (rinsed and drained) or cook them from dried – about 1 ½ cups of dried beans will yield roughly 4 ½ cups cooked.

Italian Seasoning Blend – Making Your Own Masala?

Italian seasoning is usually a blend of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. You can buy it pre-made, or even make your own! It’s a bit like creating your own masala blend – adjusting the spices to your liking.

Elbow Pasta: Exploring Different Shapes & Textures

Elbow pasta is classic for a reason, but feel free to experiment! Rotini, penne, or even small shells would work well too. The shape just changes the texture a little.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until it smells wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
2. Stir in the chopped onion and celery. Cook for about 2 minutes, until they start to soften.
3. Add the diced carrots and a pinch of salt. Sauté for another 2 minutes to soften the vegetables a bit more.
4. Now, mix in the cannellini beans until everything is nicely combined.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well incorporated.
6. Add the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
7. Stir in the elbow pasta, then cover the pan and simmer for 5-6 minutes.
8. Uncover, add the chopped spinach, black pepper, and parmesan cheese. Mix well, then cover again.
9. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the spinach has wilted.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta! Nobody likes mushy pasta. Keep an eye on it and test for doneness a minute or two before the suggested cooking time.
• Taste as you go. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
• For a richer flavor, use homemade vegetable broth.

Variations

This recipe is super adaptable! Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Cannellini Bean & Spinach Pasta

Simply omit the parmesan cheese or substitute with a vegan parmesan alternative. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor!

Gluten-Free Pasta Adaptation

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check the cooking time, as it may vary.

Adjusting the Spice Level

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. My friend, Priya, loves to add a finely chopped green chili for an extra kick!

One-Pot Pasta Variation

This is already pretty close to a one-pot meal, but you can really lean into it! Add all the ingredients (except the spinach and parmesan) to a large pot and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat, simmer, and stir occasionally until the pasta is cooked. Stir in the spinach and parmesan at the end.

Festival Adaptation: A Simple Weeknight Meal

During festivals, I sometimes add a little turmeric for color and a touch of hing (asafoetida) for a unique flavor. It’s a subtle nod to my Indian heritage in an Italian dish!

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot in bowls, topped with extra parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil. A side of crusty bread for soaking up the sauce is always a good idea. A simple green salad complements this dish beautifully.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What is the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stirring frequently, especially in the beginning, helps prevent the pasta from sticking. Adding a little extra broth if needed also works wonders.

Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! Great Northern beans or navy beans would be good substitutes for cannellini beans.

Can this pasta be made ahead of time?

You can prep the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. However, I recommend cooking the pasta just before serving for the best texture.

Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

Yes, but the pasta may become a little softer when thawed. It’s still perfectly edible, though!

What can I substitute for parmesan cheese?

For a vegan option, try nutritional yeast. Pecorino Romano is another delicious Italian cheese you could use.

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!