Tuscan-Style Spelt Rotini
A vibrant Tuscan-inspired pasta dish featuring spelt rotini, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and cannellini beans, perfect for a hearty, flavorful vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. spelt rotini or rotelli
- 8 to 10 oz. fresh spinach leaves ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 small red bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 lb. can Great Northern or cannellini beans ⓘ
- 14 oz. can plum tomatoes, chopped with liquid ⓘ
- 2 oz. oil cured sundried tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, steam the spinach in a large saucepan, covered, until wilted.
- Drain the spinach and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Chop the spinach finely, then crumble with fingers to separate the leaves.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red bell pepper strips; sauté until fragrant and peppers are slightly tender.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes with liquid, beans, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Stir in the wilted spinach and cook for another minute.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker meal, consider using pre-washed spinach or frozen spinach. If you don't have spelt rotini, any whole grain or gluten-free pasta can work as a substitute. Adding a splash of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors. If you like a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of ricotta or a sprinkle of Goat Cheese Rosemary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete Mediterranean meal, consider serving alongside Greek Style Hummus or Herb-Cheese Croutons for extra crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuscan-Style Spelt Rotini contains roughly 674 calories, with 27g protein, 161g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (322% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (309% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 876mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, to make this dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. The recipe is already plant-based, featuring nutritious ingredients like beans and spinach.
What can I use instead of Great Northern beans?
If you can't find Great Northern beans, cannellini beans are a perfect substitute. You could also use chickpeas for a different texture and flavor, which will still complement the dish well.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or incorporate fresh chili peppers. You can also serve the dish with a side of hot sauce to allow each person to adjust the spice level according to their preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).