This Pasta with White Beans and Arugula is a hearty, healthier comfort food dish that couldn’t be easier to pull together for those busy weeknights!
Looking for a hearty, healthier comfort food dish that’s delicious AND comes to the table in less than 30 minutes?
Today’s Pasta with White Beans and Arugula is just the dish!
When I’ve got a busy week ahead and know that preparing dinner is going to need to be quick and easy, this is always one of my go-to dishes.
It’s less than 30 minutes from start to finish and loaded with satisfying ingredients that never seem to disappoint.
Some of my favorite dishes here at the BHK feature superfood cannellini beans.
I love how they’re loaded with calcium (something I need at my age), iron and B vitamins. They’ve also got lots of fiber, protein and keep me full and satisfied for hours.
And nothing beats the fact that they’re inexpensive and so easy to cook with.
If you haven’t checked out my White Bean and Tomato Ragout over Ciabatta, my White Bean and Chorizo Stew, my White Bean Turkey Chili or my White Bean Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, you should really take a peek. They’re all so flavorful and delicious. Clearly, I’ve got a thing for white beans!
So here’s to a delicious meal that’ll be a hit with all and on your table in less than 30 minutes!
Enjoy!
A Few Cook’s Notes for Pasta with White Beans and Arugula Recipe:
I used bowties for this recipe, but you could substitute any medium sized pasta.
I love pecorino romano cheese, but you could also use parmesan, if you have that on hand.
I love the peppery flavor of arugula, but this pasta dish would also work with baby spinach.
This Pasta with White Beans and Arugula is a hearty, healthier comfort food dish that couldn't be easier to pull together for those busy weeknights!
- 1 lb. bow tie pasta
- 3 Tbsp. butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz. arugula leaves
- 1 15.8-oz. can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup freshly grated pecorino-romano cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 cup pasta water
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In a large pot, boil salted water and cook pasta al dente according to package directions, reserving one cup pasta water before draining. Set reserved pasta water aside. Return the pasta to the pot and set aside.
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While the pasta is cooking, heat butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook for one minute, stirring often. Add the arugula and increase the heat to medium-high, stirring until arugula begins to wilt, 2-3 minutes.
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Add the beans, broth, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Cook 3 minutes, then reduce heat to a simmer and contiue to cook for 1-2 minutes.
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Toss the arugula bean mixture with the pasta along with the lemon juice and freshly grated pecorino-romano cheese. Add desired amount of hot pasta water if pasta seems dry. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with extra grated cheese.
Love the look of this pasta recipe for easy meatless meals. Just delicious!
It’s perfect for Meatless Monday Alida! Easier than easy to pull together too!
We’ve got a crazy busy week. I think I’d better add this to the menu. Love the combination of pasta, beans and arugula. Thanks for the great recipe!
This would be perfect Kathy! Enjoy! Happy Monday!
Sounds like one delicious and healthy recipe, Mary Ann! Love everything in here. Would be delicious for dinner one day this week with some crusty garlic bread :)
I bet you’d love this one Dawn! It’s a Meatless Monday winner!
Let’s hear it for 30 minute meals!! And pasta to boot? You know I’m a fan! Delicious, my friend!
It’s even closer to 20 minutes Annie! Perfect for those busy weeks!
Beans are such a great food! Filling and healthy and so wonderful paired with pasta and greens :)
I agree Jennifer! This one’s a winner with me!
I share your love of cannellini beans so this sounds AWESOME! I’m still recovering from vacation and I need easy meals; I’m definitely adding this one to my rotation!
This is a delicious meal Kelsie! And a bit healthier than traditional comfort food! Have a great week!
Exactly what we need during our crazy weeknights!
Hope you give it a try Matt! It’s so easy and so tasty!
I’ve been adding white beans to a lot of recipes lately, so I know I would enjoy this one Mary Ann! More importantly, I think it would be a winning dish for the whole family! Thanks for sharing!
Hope you give it a go Leanne! Have an awesome week!
When I was a kid my favorite pasta was always bow-tie! I probably wouldn’t have been excited about beans and arugula back then, but I definitely am now! This will be the perfect Meatless Monday dinner for us soon! :)
Hope you all enjoy it Katherine! Happy Monday!
The best kind of weeknight meal! Love that those beans add a bit of protein too!
I agree Leigh Ann! I love my beans!
Mary Ann, this is my idea of a great weeknight meal! I love white beans, too, and just bought some bow ties because I love the look of them! I feel like you made this recipe just for me! Ha!
Yay! Hope you enjoy it Laura!
Perfect dish for meatless Monday and even better when it takes less than 30 min start to finish! Delish!
I know right?! So easy and so tasty Kev!
Dear Mary Ann ! We landed one hour ago I would give an empire for a dinner like this :-)
Welcome home! If we were neighbors, I’d whip it up for you!
Mary Ann, this pasta looks so hearty and satisfying! Love the arugula in it. Definitely adding this one to our dinner rotation!
Hope you enjoy it Kelly! I know you’ll love how easy it is!
I love recipes like this, Mary Ann – easy to a make, ingredients that I have on hand at home, less than 30 minutes and good for you. Love that you are using arugula – it’s one of my favorite add ins to pasta and salads since it has so much peppery flavor. The beans are great for a nutritional boost as well. Looking forward to trying this yummy dish!
I just love all the ingredients in this pasta dish Geraldine! I’ve always got the ingredients on hand too, so it’s a no brainer! Enjoy!
Love this comforting dinner idea!
Thanks Laura!
I love this healthier choice!! Looks so tasty.
Thanks Natasha!
Last meal on earth? It would be something very much like this, carby, cheesy, with a punch of greens and creamy beans…yum!!
Yay! Glad you like it Sue!
I’m with you Mary Ann! White beans are fabulously creamy and nourishing. Agreed about calcium! Love the balance of flavors here too. Quick and easy for the weeknight win!
Thanks Traci!
Love the flavors going on here! This is a great dinner when you need something quick and easy after a busy day!
It’s perfect for those busy weeknights!
I absolutely love cannellini beans, so I’m thrilled they are making an appearance here! This pasta is definitely my idea of a delicious dinner! Light, yet hearty and easy to throw together! Not to mention full of yummy flavor! You just can’t beat that! Pinning to try!
Thanks Chey! Hope you give it a go!
I’ve got a thing for bowtie pasta, Mary Ann. So this beautiful dish is SO calling my name! And I love that it’s easy enough for a busy weeknight!
I can’t tell you how easy this one is Marissa. I just love the white beans!