Skip to main content

Pasta with Greens and Beans

Your favorite 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 black pepper
½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Cook pasta according to package directions. Set aside.
  4. Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet. Add garlic and cook on low (250 degrees F in an electric skillet) until soft.
  5. Add spinach, tomatoes with juice, beans, salt and pepper. Once the mixture bubbles, cook uncovered on low heat for 5 minutes.
  6. Add drained pasta and parmesan cheese to spinach mixture. Toss well and serve.
  7. 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)

Whole-Wheat Yogurt Rolls
Platter of golden whole-wheat rolls.

Whole-Wheat Yogurt Rolls

These warm and toasty rolls are ready in 30 minutes with only 4 ingredients.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
10 Rolls
Corn Pancakes
Round, golden corn pancakes displayed on a skillet and plate.

Corn Pancakes

A delicious savory alternative to traditional pancakes.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
6 6-inch pancakes
Sautéed Cauliflower Rice
Two bowls of grated cauliflower garnished with parsley.

Sautéed Cauliflower Rice

A fun alternative to rice, this cauliflower rice is a great way to add more veggies to your meals.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Smashed Garbanzo Bean Salad
Bread topped with Smashed Garbanzo Bean Salad

Smashed Garbanzo Bean Salad

Garbanzo beans and crunchy vegetables make a delicious sandwich filling or chunky dip.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Perfect Hard-Cooked Eggs
Plate of hard-cooked egg halves.

Perfect Hard-Cooked Eggs

Make the perfect hard-cooked eggs with this recipe. Keep coked eggs on hand for salads, sandwiches or eating alone as a protein-rich snack.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
1 Servings
Pumpkin Fruit Dip
Small bowl of pumpkin dip served with apple slices, banana and grapes.

Pumpkin Fruit Dip

This quick and simple dip is creamy, full of warm spices, and perfect for dipping your favorite fall fruits.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups