Skip to main content

Pasta with Greens and Beans

Classic Italian flavors combine to make the perfect pasta dinner.
Video

Cooking for a Crowd

Cooking for a Crowd

Use these recipe sheets to prepare for larger groups:

Bowl of vegetable pasta sprinkled with grated parmesan.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked pasta (try penne)
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced or ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
10 ounces frozen spinach
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Set aside.
  3. Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet. Add garlic and cook on low (250 degrees F in an electric skillet) until soft.
  4. Add spinach, tomatoes with juice, beans, salt and pepper. Once the mixture bubbles, cook uncovered on low heat for 5 minutes.
  5. Add drained pasta and parmesan cheese to spinach mixture. Toss well and serve.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Substitute cleaned and chopped fresh spinach (about 6 cups).
  • Try other greens, such as Swiss chard or kale instead of spinach. Be sure to clean greens well and cook them until soft.
  • Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 ½ to 1 ¾ cups drained beans.

Comments

This is a quick pasta dish that is flexible and delicious. It's an easy recipe to cook for a crowd and the kids loved it. 

This is a really great and simple recipe that has become one of our "regulars." I used it for a food demo in one of our cooking classes and the participants were amazed by the fact that they couldn't taste the spinach. We added an entire bag of fresh spinach and it cooked down beautifully! Some italian seasoning is a good addition.

We made a couple of changes; left out tomatoes, added chopped onion, used collards, and added a few pieces of cooked bacon. Have also tried it with kielbasa or a 1/2 lb of Italian sausage.  This is one of our favorites!

I guess I'm the lone voice of dissent, but I just didn't like this recipe.  I contemplated making it for one of my classes, and tested it out before class.  Nope.  Not for me.  Maybe with fresh spinach if I try again. 

This is really delicious.

This recipe has certainly been a hit with middle school students and adults.  I often use Swiss chard instead of spinach to introduce a mostly unfamiliar vegetable.  Students have fun guessing the name of the Swiss chard leaf. 

This recipe is fast, easy, and delicious!  I have made it with middle school kids and with adults, and everyone loves it.  I always use wholegrain pasta and it tastes great. Sometimes I add fresh basil, which makes it even tastier!  It can be served as a main dish (vegetarian!) or as a hearty side dish.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Barley Lentil Soup
Bowls of soup containing colorful vegetables, lentils and barley.

Barley Lentil Soup

One-pot hearty and comforting soup that’s packed with veggies, herbs and grains!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
1 and ½ hours
Makes:
10 cups
Summer Cucumbers
Platter of seasoned cucumber and red onion slices.

Summer Cucumbers

A quick and simple side dish of crisp cucumber and onion with tangy red wine vinegar.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Creamed Green Beans and Potatoes
Red potato, mushroom and green beans covered in a creamy herb sauce.

Creamed Green Beans and Potatoes

Warm and creamy dish that is on the table in 30 minutes. A great holiday dinner or potluck recipe.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Mix and Match Grain Bowl
Two versions of a grain bowl with vegetables and chicken or tofu.

Mix and Match Grain Bowl

Make a simple, delicious and healthy meal for any time of day with ingredients you have on hand and these mix and match ideas.
Prepare:
varies
Cook:
varies
Makes:
4 servings
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This easy Pulled Pork recipe is made with pork shoulder and spices from your pantry. Slow cooking is a simple way to create tender and juicy pork for many different meals.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
7 to 9 hours
Makes:
5 cups
Cherry Scones
Photo of Cherry Scones

Cherry Scones

Warm and buttery treat combining whole-wheat flour, tart cherries and buttermilk. Perfect for breakfast or on the go.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
10 scones
Was this page helpful to you?