Lemon-Glazed Pasta with White Beans and Thyme
A bright, hearty pasta dish where tender spaghetti is tossed in a lemony white bean sauce with fresh thyme, perfect for weeknight dinners. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 15 oz can, rinsed white beans
- 2 tbsp, leaves only fresh thyme
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. 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 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
- Step 3: Stir in 15 oz rinsed white beans, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 2 tbsp fresh thyme, cooking for 2 minutes until heated through.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing vigorously until the sauce coats the strands and thickens.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and 2 tbsp chopped basil until melted, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Glazed Pasta with White Beans and Thyme 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-Glazed Pasta with White Beans and Thyme?
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-Glazed Pasta with White Beans and Thyme?
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-Glazed Pasta with White Beans and Thyme 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-Glazed Pasta with White Beans and Thyme?
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
- ★★★★★
Loved how the beans added protein without overpowering the lemon. Served with crusty bread—perfect!
- ★★★★★
Made it for date night, and the whole dish came together in 20 minutes. Everyone raved about the refreshing sauce.
- ★★★★★
This is now my go-to pasta recipe. The thyme and lemon combo is divine—makes even basic ingredients feel special.
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