Quick & Easy Pasta with Tomatoes and Beans

When you're hungry and want to make something healthy, you don't need fancy ingredients or lots of time. Today we're sharing a simple pasta dish you can make with foods that are easy to find and keep on hand.

What You'll Need

Gather these basic pantry items: pasta, canned tomatoes, canned beans (any kind you like), garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. You might also have an onion, some dried herbs like oregano, or a little bit of cheese at home. That's it! No special shopping trip needed.

How to Make It

Start by cooking your pasta according to the box directions and drain it. While the pasta cooks, heat a little olive oil in a big pan over medium heat. Chop up a small onion and garlic (or skip these if you don't have them), and cook them for a couple minutes until they smell good. Pour in your canned tomatoes, then add your canned beans—just drain and rinse them first. Sprinkle in some salt, pepper, and any herbs you have. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring once in a while. Pour the sauce over your cooked pasta, mix it together, and you're done!

Why This Meal Is Great

This dish gives you good nutrition without a lot of fuss. The beans give you protein and fiber, which help you feel full longer. The tomatoes have vitamins your body needs. Whole-grain pasta is even better if you have it. You can make a big batch and eat leftovers for lunch the next day. Best of all, the ingredients cost less than eating out, and you control what goes into your food.

Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to change. Don't like beans? Add ground meat if you have it. Have some frozen vegetables in the freezer? Throw those in too. Fresh spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers all work great. If you like spicy food, add a pinch of red pepper. This meal can be whatever you want it to be, and it's still simple and healthy.

Healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Using what you already have at home helps you save money and still feed your family well. Next time you're standing in your kitchen wondering what to cook, remember this pasta dish. It's warm, filling, and truly made with love—especially when you're making it for people you care about.

If you need help finding nutritious foods to stock your pantry, we'd love to help. Daily Bread Distribution Center offers free food for Central Florida families, so you always have ingredients on hand to make meals like this one. Visit us to learn more about how we can support your family's meals and wellness.

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