This **20-Minute Skillet Pasta with Tomatoes, Spinach, and Beans** offers a brilliantly healthy, flavorful, and incredibly quick dinner solution that fits perfectly into the busiest of schedules. A true weeknight hero, this wholesome skillet pasta recipe brings together simple ingredients in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum taste.
20-Minute Skillet Pasta: Your Go-To Recipe for Speedy, Healthy Dinners
In today’s fast-paced world, finding a dinner recipe that is both delicious and doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen can feel like searching for a culinary unicorn. Enter this delightful 20-Minute Skillet Pasta with Tomatoes, Spinach, and Beans! This dish is a vibrant celebration of fresh flavors, comforting pasta, and the unparalleled convenience of a one-pan meal. Imagine a weeknight where a wholesome, homemade dinner is ready in under half an hour, leaving you more time for relaxation and less for cleanup. This recipe is not just quick; it’s a hearty, vegetarian option that everyone at your table will adore, making it a current favorite in many kitchens.
The beauty of this skillet pasta lies in its simplicity. You start by cooking your preferred pasta to al dente perfection. While the pasta simmers, a medley of fresh vegetables, including bright cherry tomatoes and nutrient-packed spinach, are sautéed with aromatic garlic directly in your skillet. A creamy, yet light, sauce comes together with half and half and a touch of cornstarch, binding all the elements into a harmonious, flavorful experience. Stir everything together, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a dash of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, and dinner is served! It’s truly that easy, proving that healthy, home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Skillet Pasta
- Unbeatable Speed: As the name suggests, this recipe delivers a complete meal in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
- Wholesome & Healthy: Packed with fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and protein-rich beans, this dish is a nutritious powerhouse. It’s a fantastic way to boost your vegetable intake without compromising on flavor.
- One-Pan Wonder (Mostly): While the pasta cooks separately, the sauce and vegetables come together in a single skillet, drastically reducing cleanup time.
- Vegetarian Delight: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, offering a satisfying and flavorful meat-free option that even meat-lovers will enjoy.
- Customizable: The foundation of this dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily swap vegetables, add proteins, or adjust seasonings to suit your family’s preferences.
- Rich & Creamy Texture: The subtle addition of half and half and cornstarch creates a wonderfully creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta and vegetable, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
Essential Ingredients for Your Skillet Pasta
Gathering the right components is the first step to creating this delightful meal. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few insights into each:
- Penne Pasta: This tubular pasta is excellent for holding creamy sauces and bits of vegetables. Approximately 6 oz, or about half a standard box, will be perfect for a four-serving meal. Feel free to use other short-cut pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle if you prefer.
- Olive Oil: A tablespoon of good quality olive oil forms the base for sautéing, imparting a subtle fruity note and ensuring your aromatics cook beautifully.
- Garlic: Two cloves, finely grated or minced, are crucial for building the dish’s aromatic foundation. Fresh garlic offers the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
- Cherry Tomatoes: About 9 oz of sweet cherry tomatoes, cut in half, provide bursts of juicy, fresh flavor and a beautiful splash of color. They soften nicely in the skillet, releasing their sweet juices into the sauce. If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, diced canned tomatoes (drained) can work as an alternative, though the fresh burst will be different.
- Fresh Spinach: Approximately 2.5 cups of fresh spinach, loosely packed, wilt down quickly, adding a wealth of nutrients and a tender texture. You can tear larger leaves if desired.
- Great Northern Beans: A 15 oz can of Great Northern beans, thoroughly drained and rinsed, adds plant-based protein and a satisfying creaminess. Cannellini beans or chickpeas are also excellent alternatives.
- Half and Half: ¾ cup of half and half creates a light yet rich and creamy sauce. For a lighter option, you could use milk, or for a richer one, heavy cream. Dairy-free alternatives are also discussed below.
- Cornstarch: Just 2 teaspoons of cornstarch are whisked with the half and half to thicken the sauce, ensuring it coats the pasta perfectly without becoming too heavy.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon of this versatile herb blend provides classic Mediterranean flavors, typically including oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
- Salt and Pepper: ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper are starting points for seasoning. Always taste and adjust to your preference.
- Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but highly recommended for garnish. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami depth that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Another optional garnish, these add a gentle warmth and a hint of spice, elevating the overall taste.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making This Skillet Pasta
Creating this flavorful 20-Minute Skillet Pasta is wonderfully straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:
- Prepare the Pasta: Begin by cooking your penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta, rinse it briefly with warm water to prevent sticking, and set it aside to keep warm.
- Whisk the Cream Mixture: In a small measuring cup or bowl, combine the half and half, cornstarch, and Italian seasoning. Whisk vigorously until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and there are no lumps. Set this mixture aside. This is key for a smooth, thick sauce.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach into the skillet. Sauté, stirring often, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the spinach has fully wilted and the tomatoes have begun to soften and release their juices.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the drained and rinsed Great Northern beans, salt, and pepper. Pour in the prepared half and half mixture. Stir everything well to combine. Continue to cook for approximately 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. The cornstarch will activate with the heat, creating a lovely creamy texture.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked and warmed pasta to the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Gently stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is thoroughly coated in the delicious sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve & Garnish: Divide the skillet pasta among serving plates. Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, if desired, for an extra layer of flavor and a touch of warmth. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Customizing Your Skillet Pasta: Endless Variations
One of the best aspects of this 20-Minute Skillet Pasta is its incredible adaptability. You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Vegetable Swaps: The original recipe features tomatoes, spinach, and beans, but almost any quick-cooking vegetable can be added. Try artichoke hearts (canned, drained, and chopped), chopped broccoli florets, green beans, diced zucchini, corn, peas, or kale. Add heartier vegetables earlier with the garlic to ensure they cook through.
- Add Protein: To make it a more substantial meal for meat-eaters, consider adding cooked chicken (shredded or diced), browned Italian sausage, or shrimp. Add pre-cooked proteins at the same time as the beans to warm through.
- Cheesy Delights: Beyond Parmesan, try stirring in a handful of shredded mozzarella or a dollop of cream cheese for an extra creamy, cheesy kick. Feta cheese crumbled over the top after serving also adds a wonderful tangy contrast.
- Spice It Up: If you love a bit of heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. For a smoky flavor, a touch of smoked paprika can be delicious.
- Herbaceous Boost: Experiment with different fresh herbs. Fresh basil or oregano, added at the very end, will brighten the flavors significantly.
- Different Pastas: While penne is recommended, any medium-sized pasta like fusilli, rotini, farfalle (bow-tie), or even elbow macaroni will work perfectly.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Adaptations
This recipe can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs:
- For a Vegan Version: Substitute the half and half with a plant-based milk alternative like unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. For creaminess, you might need to increase the cornstarch slightly or add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Omit the Parmesan cheese, or use a vegan Parmesan substitute.
- For a Gluten-Free Version: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Many excellent varieties are available today that hold up well in skillet dishes. Ensure all other ingredients (like seasonings) are certified gluten-free.
Tips for a Perfect Skillet Pasta Every Time
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your pasta to al dente as it will continue to absorb some liquid and soften further when mixed with the hot sauce. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
- Rinse Pasta for Best Texture: Rinsing the cooked pasta with warm water prevents it from sticking together and washes off excess starch, resulting in a cleaner-tasting dish.
- Keep Garlic from Burning: Garlic can quickly go from fragrant to bitter. Sauté it over medium heat for no more than 1-2 minutes, watching it closely.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your sauce before mixing in the pasta. Adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to your preference. Remember, Parmesan cheese will add additional saltiness.
- Ensure Cornstarch is Dissolved: Whisk the cornstarch thoroughly into the half and half to prevent lumps in your sauce.
- Use a Large Skillet: A spacious skillet or saucepan allows all ingredients to cook evenly and provides enough room for stirring without making a mess.
- Fresh is Best: While convenient, pre-packaged minced garlic or dried spinach might not deliver the same vibrant flavors or textures as their fresh counterparts.
Make Ahead & Storage Instructions
This 20-Minute Skillet Pasta is not only fantastic fresh, but it also makes for excellent leftovers!
You can absolutely make this dish ahead of time. Simply prepare the pasta as directed, allow it to cool completely, and then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it a perfect option for meal prepping healthy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Reheating: To reheat, portion out the desired amount and place it in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it gently in a skillet on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a splash of milk or vegetable broth if the pasta seems a little dry. This helps to revive the creamy texture and prevent it from sticking. Avoid overheating, as this can make the pasta mushy and dry out the sauce.
More Delicious Pasta Recipes to Explore
If you loved the ease and flavor of this skillet pasta, you might want to try these other fantastic pasta dishes:
- Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Garlic Butter Mushroom Shrimp Pasta
- Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
For even more inspiring pasta ideas, be sure to browse our comprehensive Pasta Category.
If you create this delicious 20-Minute Skillet Pasta and love it, we’d be thrilled to see your creation! Snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Don’t forget to tag us @crunchycreamysweet so we can admire your culinary masterpiece and leave a comment! Happy cooking!
20-Minute Skillet Pasta
A healthy and delicious vegetarian pasta dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights, packed with vegetables.
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 a calorie counter you are familiar with.
- You can use any bite-size pasta for this dish.
Nutrition
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