Cajun Bean and Pasta Stew

Warm your soul with a hearty bowl of Cajun Bean and Pasta Stew—a robust, flavor-packed dish that brings the zest of Louisiana to your table. This easy, one-pot recipe combines tender red kidney beans, creamy cannellini beans, and perfectly cooked pasta in a smoky, spiced tomato broth infused with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and herbs. Aromatic ingredients like sautéed onions, celery, and bell peppers create a rich base, while fragrant garlic and a splash of vegetable broth enhance every bite. Ready in just 50 minutes, this vegan-friendly stew is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, serving six satisfying portions. Garnished with fresh green onions and parsley, it’s as visually enticing as it is delicious. A must-try for fans of comforting Cajun flavors, this stew delivers warmth, nutrition, and bold taste in every spoonful.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 15 ounces diced tomatoes (canned, with juice)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 15 ounces red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 15 ounces cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or elbow)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the pot, and stir to combine.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6

Stir in the kidney beans and cannellini beans, and season with salt and black pepper.

Step 7

Add the small pasta, and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Remove the pot from heat and discard the bay leaf.

Step 9

Taste the stew and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and chopped parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2959.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1934.8

Total Fat 43.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 8533.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 314.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 71.8g	0%
Total Sugars 46.2g
Protein 85.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 685.9mg	0%
Iron 24.7mg	0%
Potassium 6296.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 19.6%

Protein: 17.2%

Carbs: 63.2%