Classic Pasta With Marinara Sauce

This was one of the first recipes in my repertoire when I started cooking for myself in college. I’ve made many versions since, but it’s always been fairly simple: cook some whole wheat pasta, sauté some veggies, add some marinara sauce, and throw in a can of beans. There’s lots of room for modifications, but I find this version quick and easy to make (under 30 minutes), super healthy, and most importantly, tasty!  It’s best enjoyed while sipping red wine in the company of friends or family and listening to Mambo Italiano (I like the Dean Martin version).

Nutrition Highlights:

• Consuming whole grains, such as this whole wheat pasta, is associated with lower rates of obesity, cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
• Lycopene, the pigment in tomatoes responsible for their red color, may lower overall cancer risk, especially prostate cancer.
• Throwing in a can of beans is a great way to make this dish more filling. It also boosts the fiber, potassium, and magnesium content, which is good for our heart and blood vessels.

Classic Pasta with Marinara Sauce

 

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Serves: 3-4

Ingredients

• 1 - 16oz package of whole wheat pasta (any type will work - I like spaghetti or penne)
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup de-stemmed mushrooms (white button or cremini), chopped or sliced
• ½ of a white or yellow onion, chopped
• 1 cup chopped spinach, fresh or frozen
• 1 - 7oz jar of tomato paste
• 1 - 24oz jar of marinara sauce
• 1 - 15oz can of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and garlic in a large skillet over medium-low heat until garlic becomes fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Add the mushrooms and onion. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until onions are translucent, stirring frequently.
4. Add the spinach and cook until it's wilted or thawed (about 2-3 minutes).
5. Add the tomato paste and marinara sauce; stir well until evenly mixed.
6. Stir in the beans, then reduce heat to low and simmer until the pasta is done cooking.
7. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well in a colander, then add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. Enjoy!

Notes

Best consumed with family and while listening to Dean Martin's "Mambo Italiano".

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