Lemon-Herb White Bean & Pasta Primavera
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 (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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed cannellini beans
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 medium, thinly sliced zucchini
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp grated lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
