Hearty Ditalini With White Beans & Spinach Recipe for Cozy Meals

Whipping up a delightful ditalini with white beans & spinach feels like culinary magic on a busy weeknight.

Pasta shapes dance beautifully with creamy cannellini beans in this hearty dish.

Crisp spinach leaves add unexpected brightness to every comforting bite.

Mediterranean influences shine through with simple, robust ingredients that speak volumes about home cooking.

Fresh garlic and herbs create layers of unexpected depth in this uncomplicated meal.

Comfort meets nutrition in a single skillet, promising satisfaction without heavy preparation.

Each forkful promises a delicious journey you won’t want to miss.

Ditalini with Beans and Spinach You’ll Keep Repeating

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This one-pot pasta dish eliminates multiple pans and complicated steps, making dinner preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Quick Comfort Meal: From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes, perfect for satisfying hunger without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutritious Family Pleaser: Packed with protein-rich beans, nutrient-dense spinach, and wholesome pasta, this meal offers a balanced dinner that kids and adults will enjoy together.
• Budget-Friendly Option: Using affordable ingredients like canned beans, ditalini pasta, and seasonal spinach, this recipe delivers delicious flavor without breaking the bank.

Ingredient Set for Ditalini with White Beans & Spinach

• Olive Oil: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté vegetables smoothly. Extra virgin olive oil works best for deeper taste.
• Ditalini Pasta: Small tube-shaped pasta perfect for hearty one-pot dishes. Short, sturdy pasta that catches sauce well.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatic base that builds deep flavor profile. Fresh ingredients preferred over pre-chopped.
• Spinach: Adds nutrition and fresh green color. Baby spinach wilts quickly and tastes tender.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy background to the dish. Canned tomatoes work great for convenience.

• White Beans: Provides protein and creamy texture. Canned beans are time-saving and tender.
• Oregano: Classic Italian herb that enhances overall flavor. Dried herbs work perfectly.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding gentle heat. Adjust according to spice preference.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste. Freshly ground pepper recommended.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, rich finish to the dish. Freshly grated cheese preferred.

Pasta Instructions for Ditalini with Beans & Spinach

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, creating a smooth, even base for your delicious meal.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

Add onions and garlic to the heated oil, letting them dance and soften for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

• White beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop.

Step 4: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Drop ditalini pasta into the simmering pot and cook according to package instructions.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Wilt Fresh Greens

Gently fold spinach into the pot, watching it transform from vibrant green to a soft, wilted texture that blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Serve the pasta hot, optionally topping with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of creamy, tangy goodness.

Pasta Soup Prep Tips for Ditalini Done Right

• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your spice tolerance, from a gentle sprinkle to a bold kick.
• Toast oregano briefly in the oil before adding other ingredients to enhance its aromatic profile.
• Keep an eye on ditalini and test for al dente texture to maintain perfect pasta consistency.
• Replace regular pasta with whole wheat ditalini for added fiber and nutrients.
• Swap beans with cooked chicken or tofu for a different protein-rich version of the dish.

Store Ditalini with White Beans & Spinach

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent dryness.
• Gently reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Freeze portions in sealed containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Complements Ditalini Spinach Soup

• Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: The bright, zesty white wine cuts through the richness of beans and pasta, refreshing your palate with its citrusy notes.
• Complement with Rustic Tuscan Bread: Toasted slices with olive oil and sea salt provide a crunchy texture that balances the soft pasta and creamy beans.
• Match with Arugula Side Salad: A light, peppery salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and complements the earthy spinach and bean flavors.
• Serve with Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Drizzle a homemade herb oil with basil and rosemary over the dish to enhance the Mediterranean-inspired recipe's depth.

White Beans & Spinach Pasta Variants

• Gluten-Free Ditalini Delight: Replace ditalini with gluten-free rice pasta or chickpea pasta for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Bean Feast: Swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan alternative for a plant-based version.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Add fresh basil, thyme, and rosemary instead of oregano for a more aromatic Mediterranean-style dish.
• Protein Power Bowl: Incorporate cooked chicken or tofu chunks for extra protein, transforming the recipe into a heartier meal option.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of ditalini?

Yes, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like small shells, elbow macaroni, or orzo. Just ensure the cooking time matches the pasta you choose.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! The recipe is completely vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese or using a plant-based alternative.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Add additional protein by including chickpeas, lentils, or cooked tofu. You can also top with nuts like pine nuts or sliced almonds for extra protein and crunch.

• What if I don't have fresh spinach?

Frozen spinach works perfectly. Just thaw and drain it well before adding to the pot. If using frozen, you’ll need about 1/2 cup to replace the fresh spinach in the recipe.

Ditalini With White Beans & Spinach Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets elegance in this ditalini with white beans & spinach, a rustic Italian-inspired pasta that marries hearty flavors with nutritious ingredients. Simple yet sophisticated, this dish promises a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor down to the last satisfying bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Beans:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) ditalini pasta
• 1 (15 ounce/425 grams) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1 (14.5 ounce/411 grams) can diced tomatoes, undrained

Seasonings and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium flame until it shimmers and becomes fragrant.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, gently sautéing until they transform into a translucent, softened mixture with delicate aromatics.
3. Cascade white beans, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, fiery red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper into the vegetable foundation, allowing the ingredients to meld and create a robust base.
4. Pour ditalini pasta directly into the simmering liquid, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until the pasta reaches an al dente texture.
5. Gradually fold fresh spinach leaves into the bubbling mixture, watching them gracefully wilt and integrate seamlessly with the other ingredients.
6. Remove from heat and let the dish rest momentarily, allowing flavors to harmonize and settle.
7. Transfer to serving bowls, presenting the vibrant, rustic meal with an optional delicate sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an additional layer of creamy, salty complexity.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for personal spice preference.
• Choose fresh baby spinach for a tender, vibrant texture that wilts quickly and beautifully.
• Select low-sodium canned beans to control salt content and create a healthier meal option.
• Opt for whole wheat ditalini pasta to boost nutritional value and add nutty depth to the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 0mg