Pasta with Beans $5 Dinner

Okay, time for another delicious $5 dinner recipe that is super budget-friendly, with plenty of protein, and is super easy to make with this Pasta with Beans $5 Dinner recipe! 

Depending on the sauce you pick to make this one pot pasta dish, you might even call this Tuscan white bean pasta. It has delicious Italian flavors mixed with the cooked pasta. 

This simple white bean pasta is a great way to use up some simple pantry staples and still have a good quality dinner without having to do too much work. 

Then if you are like me, I enjoy splurging a bit more with my pasta dishes and serving some garlic toast or garlic bread as an easy side dish with big flavor.

Ingredients for Pasta with Beans Dinner:

• Oil: use whatever olive oil or avocado oil you have on hand
• Seasonings: use minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper
• Pasta: I normally like to use elbow pasta but any pasta will work
• Beans: use a can of great northern beans that have been drained and rinsed
• Sauce: pick your favorite brand and flavor of pasta sauce
• Frozen Veggies: any veggies will work

How to make Pasta with Beans Dinner:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, pour the pasta into the boiling water, and cook pasta according to the package directions for al dente.

Strain the pasta and set it to the side.

To the same pot the pasta was cooked in, add in the olive oil over medium heat once hot stir in the garlic.

Stir in the pasta sauce, can of beans, vegetables, and seasonings and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Stir in the pasta and serve.

How to store pasta with white beans:

Fridge: If you have any pasta with the canned beans left over, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Tips and tricks for white bean pasta recipe: 

Beans to use:

When making this recipe I enjoy using the great northern beans, but you can switch them out for other beans as well. 

Cannellini beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, or even lentils would make a great option to pair with the cooked pasta.

Optional ingredients to add:

1. Lemon zest or lemon juice
2. Bell peppers
3. Leafy greens like fresh spinach or kale
4. ​Sun-dried tomatoes
5. Parmesan cheese
6. Red pepper flakes for a little spice
7. Fresh basil or fresh parsley work great at garnish

Can I add cooking liquid?

If you want to add more flavor and maybe thicken up the sauce a bit, you can add back some reserved pasta water to the pasta dish, but it isn’t necessary.

More one pot recipes:

• 3 Ingredient One Pot Sausage Pasta
• Dump and Go Garlic Chicken Pasta Casserole
• Rotisserie Chicken with Orzo Skillet
• Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Quick links for making dinner easy:

• Family meal plans
• Tools for the kitchen and more
• The best cookbook for family dinner recipes
• FREE budget meal plan
• Cooking videos to watch

If you give these recipes a try, make sure to tag us on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking and let us know how much you liked the recipes!