Heart-Healthy Pasta with Beans

Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant and nourishing Heart-Healthy Pasta with Beans, a wholesome dish packed with rich flavors and nutrition. Made with fiber-rich whole wheat pasta, protein-packed cannellini beans, and an array of fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and baby spinach, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe comes together in just 35 minutes. Infused with aromatic garlic, onion, and a medley of dried herbs, this one-pan wonder offers a perfectly balanced meal that's low in sodium yet bursting with taste. A splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley add a bright, refreshing finish to every bite. Perfect for anyone seeking a quick, heart-smart dinner option, this light yet satisfying pasta is sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 15 oz canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 5

Stir in the cannellini beans, baby spinach, and vegetable broth. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 3 minutes.

Step 6

Add the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all the flavors.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water as needed.

Step 8

Add the lemon juice and fresh parsley, gently mixing to combine.

Step 9

Serve hot, with additional black pepper and parsley for garnish if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1510.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1575.4

Total Fat 36.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1913.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 271.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 44.1g	0%
Total Sugars 19.4g
Protein 61.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 569.1mg	0%
Iron 25.0mg	0%
Potassium 3592.3mg	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: 20.0%

Protein: 14.8%

Carbs: 65.2%