Lemon Zest Linguine with White Beans
Bright lemon and fresh dill cut through the earthiness of cannellini beans in this simple weeknight pasta. The sauce clings perfectly to tender linguine without needing cream. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs linguine, large, zested and juiced lemon, finely chopped fresh dill 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
- 8 oz linguine
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed cannellini beans
- 1 large, zested and juiced lemon
- 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz linguine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 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 and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened, then add 1 large zested and juiced lemon, 3 tbsp chopped dill, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir until combined.
- Step 4: Add drained linguine to skillet and toss vigorously for 2 minutes, adding more pasta water if needed to create a cohesive, glossy sauce that coats each strand.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon Zest Linguine with White Beans 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 Zest Linguine with White Beans?
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 linguine from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Zest Linguine with White Beans?
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 Zest Linguine with White Beans 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 Zest Linguine with White Beans 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
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better pasta dishes though.
- ★☆☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
