Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Greens, Beans, and Tomatoes
Italian-inspired Easy

Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Greens, Beans, and Tomatoes

A hearty, pantry-friendly pasta featuring wilted spinach and creamy white beans

italianvegetarianquickweeknightdinner
β€” (0 ratings)
⏱️ 30 minutes 15 minutes prep · 15 minutes cook
🍽️ 6 Serves
420 Calories
18g Protein
70g Carbs
13g Fat

Why This Recipe Works

This hearty pasta relies on the robust texture of whole-wheat spaghetti to stand up to a braised sauce of spinach and creamy cannellini beans. Braising the greens in vegetable broth and tomato juices creates a savory liquid that perfectly coats every strand of noodle.


Instructions

1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat for the pasta.

2

Heat the oil and sliced garlic in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic slices are golden brown and crisp, about 3 minutes β€” remove them immediately with a slotted spoon to a small bowl and set aside so they do not become bitter.

3

Add the onion and a pinch of salt to the oil remaining in the pot. Cook over medium heat until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until the garlic is fragrant and the oil is slightly tinted by the flakes.

4

Stir in half of the spinach and cook until just wilted to make room in the pot. Add the remaining spinach, broth, and tomatoes, then cover and simmer over medium-low heat until the greens are very tender, about 5 minutes.

5

Stir in the beans and olives and keep the mixture warm over low heat while the pasta finishes.

6

Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook until al dente. Drain the noodles thoroughly, but do not rinse them.

7

Add the drained pasta and Parmesan to the Dutch oven with the spinach mixture. Toss over medium-low heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce coats the noodles and the cheese has melted into a light glaze.

8

Serve immediately, topped with the reserved garlic chips and a final drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.


🍽️ Complete the Meal

Garlic bread Crusty Italian breadSimple arugula salad
πŸ“…
Make Ahead: The sauce can be prepared through step 5 up to a day in advance and reheated while the pasta boils.
🧊
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this recipe?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

The sauce can be prepared through step 5 up to a day in advance and reheated while the pasta boils.

What substitutions can I make?
  • curly-leaf spinach: Lacinato kale can be used, though it will need more time to braise.
Rohit Bothra
Recipe by

Rohit Bothra

Self-taught cook exploring global vegetarian cuisine from my Atlanta kitchen.

Learn more about me β†’
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