Lemon-Herb White Bean & Pasta Primavera

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light yet satisfying pasta dish featuring al dente pasta tossed with creamy white beans, seasonal vegetables, and a bright lemon-herb sauce. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (high-protein) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 oz penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained cannellini beans, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 medium thinly sliced zucchini, and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp grated lemon zest, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine, then add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and toss until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Toss drained penne into the skillet with the vegetables and beans. Add 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and toss until pasta is evenly coated and heated through. Add more reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb White Bean & Pasta Primavera 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 White Bean & Pasta Primavera?

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-Herb White Bean & Pasta Primavera?

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 White Bean & Pasta Primavera 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 White Bean & Pasta Primavera vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, high-protein, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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