Lemon-Infused White Bean Pasta with Garlic Scallions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright, creamy pasta dish featuring tender pasta, cannellini beans, and a zesty lemon-garlic sauce that comes together in 20 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: Add drained cannellini beans, 1/4 cup vegetable broth, lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice to the skillet. Cook for 3 minutes, mashing beans slightly with a fork to create a creamy base.
  4. Step 4: Stir in drained pasta, 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, and 4 sliced scallions. Cook for 2 minutes until pasta is coated and sauce thickens. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped parsley and 1/2 tsp salt, then serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Infused White Bean Pasta with Garlic Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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-Infused White Bean Pasta with Garlic Scallions?

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-Infused White Bean Pasta with Garlic Scallions?

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-Infused White Bean Pasta with Garlic Scallions 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-Infused White Bean Pasta with Garlic Scallions vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, 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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