This 20-Minute Skillet Pasta with Tomatoes, Spinach and Beans is a healthy dinner option with pasta. Simple, flavorful and wholesome skillet pasta is perfect for busy weekdays.
20-MINUTE SKILLET PASTA
This dish makes me happy just to look at! It's fresh, full of flavor and made in 20 minutes! I love quick and easy recipes! This is definitely one of them and currently my favorite vegetarian pasta dish. I love easy pasta because I can whip up a from-scratch dinner in no time and I know everyone will love it. Perfect for busy weeknights! All you need to do is cook the pasta, sauté veggies, add a little half and half for the sauce and stir it all together. Serve garnished with cheese and crushed red pepper flakes and dinner is ready!
Ingredients Needed:
- penne pasta
- olive oil
- garlic
- cherry tomatoes
- spinach
- beans
- half and half
- cornstarch
- Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper
- Parmesan cheese
How to make this dish:
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Cook pasta according to instructions on the box.
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In a measuring cup, mix together half and half, cornstarch and Italian seasoning. Set aside.
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In a large saucepan, sauté garlic in olive oil for 2 minutes.
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Add tomatoes and spinach and sauté, stirring often.
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Add beans, salt, pepper and half and half mixture. Stir well. Cook for 2 minutes, until the mixture thickens up.
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Add cooked pasta and stir in gently.
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Serve garnished with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.
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What other veggies can I use?
You can completely customize this dish. Use artichoke hearts, broccoli, green beans, diced tomatoes, corn, peas, kale, etc.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Simply cook the dish, cool and store in a fridge in a container with lid, for up to 4 days.
More Pasta Recipes:
For more recipes like this one, feel free to browse our Pasta Category.
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20-Minute Skillet Pasta
Ingredients
- 6 oz penne pasta about ½ box
- 2 cloves of garlic grated or minced
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 9 oz sweet cherry tomatoes all cut in half
- 15 oz can Great Northern Beans drained and rinsed well,
- 2.5 cups fresh spinach torn if desired
- ¾ cup half and half
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Parmesan cheese optional garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes optional garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to instructions on the box. Rinse with warm water, set aside and keep warm.
- In a measuring cup, mix together half and half, cornstarch and Italian seasoning. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, heat up olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and spinach and sauté, stirring often, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add beans, salt, pepper and half and half mixture. Stir well. Cook for 2 minutes, until the mixture thickens up.
- Add cooked pasta and stir in gently. Remove from heat.
- Serve garnished with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.
- You can use any bite-size pasta for this dish.
sheri says
I really loved it and my husband…not a bean guy or into cooked tomatoes said he would eat it again. that’s huge for a guy from the 40’s
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Anna says
That's wonderful! I am so glad you both enjoyed it! Thank you, Sheri!
Crissy says
Delicious pasta! I didn't use gluten free but I have tried it, pretty good. I used 1 cup of half and half, great vegetarian recipe!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Thank you so much, Crissy! I am so glad you like it!
Bethany Fones says
One ounce of beans? Is that a misprint?
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Bethany! It is a misprint. It should say 15 oz. can. So sorry!
Jerry Marquardt says
I like to have all of my Italian dishes served with Penne Mostaccioli What a difference!
Betty C says
I use rotini frequently so that is the one I'm most interested in trying.
Annette says
I'm excited to try Rotini.
Thomas Murphy says
I want to try the Rotini
Margot C says
I already buy the Ronzoni Gluten Free Penne; does that count! We adore it and always buy that brand (true story!)
Stephanie Phelps says
I am excited to try the Elbows, Penne, because I love macaroni salad so much!
Ellie Wright says
I'd like to use the Penne noodles in a delicious Italian pasta salad.
Linda Fenwick says
I am most excited to try the penne. My family eats a lot of ziti and this type of pasta would work great for that.