Lemon-Garlic Sausage and White Bean Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty pasta dish featuring spicy Italian sausage, creamy white beans, and bright lemon zest in a garlic-infused olive oil sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs penne pasta, Italian sausage, (15 oz) cannellini beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 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.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned (6-8 minutes). Remove sausage with a slotted spoon, leaving oil in pan.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to skillet with minced 5 garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in drained 15 oz cannellini beans and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Cook for 2 minutes until beans are heated through.
  4. Step 4: Return sausage to skillet, add drained penne, and toss to combine. Stir in 2 tbsp lemon zest and 1/4 cup fresh basil. Add 2 tbsp reserved pasta water if sauce seems dry. Season with salt. Serve topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Sausage and White Bean Pasta 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 Lemon-Garlic Sausage and White Bean Pasta?

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-Garlic Sausage and White Bean Pasta?

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 Sausage and White Bean Pasta 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 Sausage and White Bean Pasta?

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.

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