Lemon-Herb One-Pot White Bean Pasta
A vibrant, creamy pasta dish with lemon zest, fresh herbs, and cannellini beans, ready in 20 minutes with minimal cleanup. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, (15 oz), drained cannellini beans, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 can (15 oz), drained cannellini beans
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, zest and juice lemon
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained cannellini beans, 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp salt. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to skillet, tossing vigorously with 1/4 cup chopped parsley and 1 tbsp lemon zest. Cook for 2 minutes until pasta is coated and sauce clings to strands, adding more pasta water if needed.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in remaining 1 tbsp lemon juice, and serve immediately with extra parsley and lemon zest.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb One-Pot White Bean Pasta 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 One-Pot 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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb One-Pot 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-Herb One-Pot 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.
Is Lemon-Herb One-Pot White Bean Pasta 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
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
