Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Cannellini Beans
A vibrant, protein-rich pasta dish featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a lemon-garlic sauce with creamy cannellini beans. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, (15 oz) can cannellini beans, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans
- 1 lemon
- 4 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp lemon zest, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add drained spaghetti, 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans (rinsed and drained), 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice to the skillet. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the strands and beans are heated through.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Cannellini Beans take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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-Garlic Pasta with Cannellini 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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Cannellini 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-Garlic Pasta with Cannellini Beans 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.
What goes well with Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Cannellini Beans?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This is now a staple in our house. So easy and delicious!
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The cannellini beans added a nice protein boost.
- ★★★★★
The lemon and garlic really brightened up the pasta. My family couldn't get enough!
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
