Harvest Bean and Sausage Pasta with Herbed Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, rustic pasta dish loaded with seasonal beans, smoky sausage, and a rich herb-infused butter sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian option) ready in about 40 minutes pairs whole wheat spaghetti, cannellini beans, italian sausage (casings removed) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.6 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz whole wheat spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb Italian sausage and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and crispy, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Remove sausage and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil. Sauté 4 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 cup drained cannellini beans and sauté for 3 minutes until heated through.
  4. Step 4: Return the sausage to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Gradually stir in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the pasta. Remove from heat and stir in 4 tbsp butter and 1/4 cup grated parmesan. Toss until creamy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Harvest Bean and Sausage Pasta with Herbed Butter take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Harvest Bean and Sausage Pasta with Herbed Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep whole wheat spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Harvest Bean and Sausage Pasta with Herbed Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Harvest Bean and Sausage Pasta with Herbed Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Harvest Bean and Sausage Pasta with Herbed Butter vegetarian option?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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