Lemon-Dill Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and White Beans
A bright, zesty pasta dish featuring tender penne tossed with sun-ripened cherry tomatoes, creamy white beans, and a fragrant lemon-dill sauce. Ready in 20 minutes for a light lunch or dinner. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, rinsed and drained white beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, rinsed and drained white beans
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil; add 8 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup rinsed white beans, 2 tablespoons fresh dill, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to combine; cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly.
- Step 4: Add the drained penne to the skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta and reduces slightly; season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and White Beans take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Lemon-Dill Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and White Beans?
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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and White Beans?
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 Lemon-Dill Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and White Beans for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Lemon-Dill Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and White Beans vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better pasta dishes though.
