Lemon-Infused White Bean Spaghetti
A bright, savory pasta dish featuring tender spaghetti coated in a lemony bean sauce with garlic and herbs. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 15 oz can, drained and rinsed white beans
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- to taste salt
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let garlic brown.
- Step 3: Add 15 oz drained white beans to the skillet and stir for 2 minutes until heated through.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1/4 cup chopped parsley, then add the drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce thickens and coats every strand.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Infused White Bean Spaghetti take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Spaghetti?
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-Infused White Bean Spaghetti?
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 Spaghetti 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.
What goes well with Lemon-Infused White Bean Spaghetti?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The lemon infusion is subtle but perfect. I added some chili flakes to give it a kick, and it turned out amazing. Will make again for dinner parties.
- ★★★★★
Loved the simplicity of this dish. The white beans add a nice creaminess without being heavy. My kids even ate it without complaining!
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer! The lemon and white beans create such a bright, refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with the spaghetti. Made it for my family and they loved it.
