Lemon-Herb Linguine with White Beans and Cherry Tomatoes
A bright, lemony pasta dish with creamy white beans, sun-ripened tomatoes, and fresh herbs for a light yet satisfying meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs linguine, white beans, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 linguine
- 1 can (15 oz), rinsed white beans
- 1.5 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 3: Add cherry tomatoes and white beans, cooking for 3 minutes until tomatoes soften. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, and salt. Toss with drained pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Linguine with White Beans and Cherry Tomatoes 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-Herb Linguine with White Beans and Cherry Tomatoes?
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 linguine from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Linguine with White Beans and Cherry Tomatoes?
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-Herb Linguine with White Beans and Cherry Tomatoes 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-Herb Linguine with White Beans and Cherry Tomatoes 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
- ★★★★★
Cooked for my parents' anniversary—everyone praised the bright, fresh taste. White beans added great texture.
- ★★★★★
My kids asked for seconds! The cherry tomatoes burst beautifully with the lemon dressing.
- ★★★★☆
Perfect for a weeknight dinner! Slightly bland without extra garlic, but the herbs shone through.
