This One-Pot Mushroom & White Bean Pasta is a true time-saver! With just one pot, you can enjoy creamy pasta packed with tasty mushrooms and nutritious white beans.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This provides great flavor and helps sauté the veggies. Feel free to use avocado oil or butter if you prefer a different taste or don’t have olive oil on hand.
Onion: A small onion gives a nice base flavor. If you’re in a pinch, shallots or even leeks can work too!
Mushrooms: I love using cremini mushrooms for depth of flavor, but white mushrooms are fine too. For a twist, try using a mix of mushrooms like shiitake or portobello.
Pasta: Bow tie or farfalle is fun, but any short pasta works here, like penne or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta can be used too!
White Beans: I recommend cannellini beans for creaminess, but great northern or chickpeas are tasty substitutes. You can even use lentils for a different texture.
Kale: It adds a nice color and nutrition! Spinach or Swiss chard also works well. If you don’t have greens, feel free to skip this ingredient.
Parmesan Cheese: This gives the dish a creamy finish, but nutritional yeast works as a vegan alternative if you want to keep it dairy-free!
How Can You Achieve the Perfect Pasta Consistency?
The key to perfect pasta in this one-pot dish is watching the cooking time. It ensures the pasta cooks to that perfect al dente stage without getting mushy. Here’s how to do it:
- Set a timer to remind you to stir occasionally during the cooking process. This will prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot.
- Check the pasta a minute or two early (around 10 minutes); it should be tender but still have a slight bite to it.
- If you find there’s too much liquid remaining at the end, you can increase the heat a bit to help it evaporate.
By following these steps, you’ll have a delicious, creamy pasta dish with the perfect texture every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
One-Pot Mushroom & White Bean Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces (225g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup dry pasta (such as bow ties/farfalle)
- 1 can (15 ounces/425g) white beans, drained and rinsed (e.g., cannellini or great northern)
- 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup kale, chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)
- Red pepper flakes (optional garnish)
- Fresh parsley or kale leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, so you can have a delicious meal ready in just about 30 minutes! Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic and Mushrooms:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook everything together for about 5-6 minutes. You want the mushrooms to soften and release their moisture, adding more flavor to your dish.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add the dry pasta, rinsed white beans, vegetable broth, water, dried thyme or Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to the pot. Give it a good stir to mix everything.
4. Cook the Pasta:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, and then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking for about 12-15 minutes, or until your pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
5. Add Kale (Optional):
If you’re using kale, stir it in during the last 2 minutes of cooking. This will help it wilt gently without losing its vibrant color and nutrients.
6. Finish with Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s creamy and well mixed throughout the pasta.
7. Adjust Seasoning & Serve:
Give it a taste! Feel free to adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if desired. Serve hot, garnished with red pepper flakes and some fresh parsley or kale leaves for a beautiful touch!
Enjoy this comforting, creamy, and earthy mushroom and white bean pasta made all in one pot for easy prep and cleanup!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While bow ties or farfalle are great choices, you can substitute with any short pasta, such as penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply switch out regular pasta for a gluten-free pasta option. Cooking times may vary, so check the package instructions for the best results!
What Can I Substitute for Kale?
If you’re not a fan of kale, spinach or Swiss chard work perfectly in this recipe too! You can also skip the greens altogether if desired.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth to maintain creaminess if needed!
