This Cranberry Beans Pasta is an easy, satisfying dish that brings together fresh beans, pasta, and greens, all cooked together in one pan for a simple yet flavorful meal. The sweetness of cranberry beans pairs beautifully with the richness of olive oil, garlic, and greens, creating a comforting and wholesome vegan dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Pasta
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 380 kcal
- 300 g pasta short pasta like penne or fusilli works best
- 1 cup fresh cranberry beans shelled (or 1 can of cooked cranberry beans)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 150 g spinach or kale or a mix of both
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or fresh thyme sprigs
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Vegan parmesan optional, for serving
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the fresh cranberry beans (or canned beans, drained and rinsed), thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the Greens: Add the spinach or kale to the pan and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the beans and greens. Toss everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water to help bring everything together.
Stir in the lemon zest for added brightness.
Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Optionally, top with vegan parmesan for a savory touch.
- If fresh cranberry beans aren’t available, you can use frozen or canned cranberry beans instead.
- For extra flavor, you can drizzle some balsamic glaze on top or add a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Tip: For a more filling meal, you can serve the pasta with a side of roasted vegetables or a light green salad with a citrus dressing.Keyword cranberry beans, Cranberry beans pasta, Creamy Vegan Pasta Recipe, fresh bean pasta, healthy comfort food, healthy pasta recipe, pasta with greens, plant-based pasta, seasonal pasta, simple pasta dishes