Black Bean and Spinach Pasta Recipe

This hearty and nutritious pasta dish combines the rich flavors of black beans with fresh spinach for a satisfying meal. It’s quick to make and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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TIME45 min

SERVINGS4

RATING4.8 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package whole wheat rotini pasta 1 ½ cups vegetable broth 2 ½ cups chopped fresh spinach ½ cup chopped red onion 1 clove garlic, chopped ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper salt and pepper to taste 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 cup frozen chopped broccoli 1 cup diced tomatoes 2 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the rotini and cook it until it’s just tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

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Step 2

Meanwhile, heat the vegetable broth in a big saucepan over medium heat until it starts to bubble. Turn the heat down a bit, then add the spinach, chopped onion, minced garlic, a pinch of cayenne, and some salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir.

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Step 3

Next, throw in the black beans and broccoli, and keep cooking everything together for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the veggies are almost tender, stir in the tomatoes and let it all cook for about 10 more minutes, until everything is soft and flavorful.

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Step 4

Finally, spoon the veggie mixture over the pasta and sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve it up warm and enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Rinse the black beans well if using canned to reduce sodium and improve flavor.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to keep it firm and prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Add spinach towards the end of cooking to keep it bright and fresh without overcooking.

Why you’ll love it

This dish is a great way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. The combination of black beans and spinach adds plenty of protein and vitamins, making it both nutritious and delicious. It’s easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness. It pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta from drying out.