Five ingredient pasta toss
This Five Ingredient Pasta Toss features whole-wheat pasta, canned tomatoes, garlic, white beans, and fresh basil, creating a quick and nutritious meal. Ideal for busy nights, it balances savory and tangy flavors with a hearty texture.
Cook time 12 min
Prep time 8 min
Ingredients:
8 oz whole-wheat pasta2 cups canned tomatoes
2 garlic cloves
2 cups white beans
1 cup basil leaves
1/4 cup olive oil
This Five Ingredient Pasta Toss is a perfect choice for those who crave a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying dish in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you're short on time, this simple yet flavorful pasta dish brings together the wholesome goodness of whole-wheat pasta, the tangy taste of tomatoes, the savory note of garlic, the hearty texture of white beans, and the fresh aroma of basil leaves. Plus, it's packed with fiber and protein to keep you full and energized.
Instructions:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water to season the pasta.
- Add the whole-wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Make sure not to burn the garlic.
- Add the canned tomatoes to the skillet. Stir and let them cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the tomato mixture in the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the beans are heated through.
- Stir in the roughly chopped basil leaves, reserving a few for garnish if desired. Allow them to wilt slightly in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato and bean mixture. Toss to combine everything evenly.
- If the mixture seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time, until your desired consistency is reached.
- Transfer the pasta to serving bowls.
- Garnish with the reserved basil leaves.
- Drizzle with a little more olive oil if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Your hearty and healthy Five Ingredient Pasta Toss is ready to enjoy. Serve immediately while it's warm.
In just a few simple steps, you have a delightful and nutritious meal ready to serve. The Five Ingredient Pasta Toss is not only easy to make but also versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or a sprinkle of cheese on top. Enjoy this wholesome dish on its own or as a side. It's a wonderful example of how a few high-quality ingredients can create something truly delicious.
Five ingredient pasta toss FAQ:
Generally, whole-wheat pasta takes about 7-10 minutes to cook until al dente, but it’s best to follow the package instructions for specific timing.
White beans should be heated for about 2-3 minutes in the skillet until they are warm and incorporated into the sauce. They do not need to be cooked further since they are typically canned.
Yes, you can substitute canned tomatoes with about 4-5 fresh tomatoes. Just chop them and cook them down in the skillet until they break apart and form a sauce.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking.
You can use any white beans such as cannellini, navy, or great northern beans. Make sure they are drained and rinsed if using canned.
Tips:
- If you prefer a chunkier sauce, use diced tomatoes instead of crushed ones.
- Don't forget to salt the pasta water; it enhances the flavor of the pasta itself.
- Reserve some of the pasta cooking water to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.
- Fresh basil leaves can be replaced with dried basil if necessary, but fresh basil offers the best flavor.
- For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the garlic in olive oil before adding the tomatoes and beans.
- You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat in your pasta.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can brighten up the flavors even more.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 290kcal
Protein 18g
Carbohydrates 55g
Fiber 13g
Sugar 4.14g
Fat 16g
More recipes
Light and low carb caprese salad
Enjoy a refreshing low-carb Caprese salad with mozzarella and basil.
14 Jan 2026Chicken skewers with celery and preserved lemon salad
Zesty chicken skewers with a refreshing celery salad.
09 Dec 2025Roast chicken with tasty salsa
A flavorful roast chicken served with fresh tomato salsa.
06 Jan 2026Tuscan beef steaks with char-grilled vegetables
Enjoy Tuscan beef steaks with char-grilled vegetables.
09 Feb 2026Cumin-scented stir-fried beef with celery
Quick cumin-scented beef stir-fry with crunchy celery.
04 Dec 2025Ginger and caramel pork
Enjoy seared pork fillets in a sweet and spicy ginger caramel sauce.
23 Dec 2025