One-Pot Lemon Herb Pasta with Spinach and White Beans
A quick, healthy pasta dish with a vibrant lemon-herb sauce and protein-rich white beans. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 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 400 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 3 cups spinach
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed cannellini beans
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente; drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup chicken broth, 3 cups fresh spinach, 1 can drained cannellini beans, and lemon zest and juice. Simmer for 3 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Step 4: Stir in cooked penne and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Add 1/4 cup chopped basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss until sauce coats pasta and thickens slightly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Lemon Herb Pasta with Spinach and White Beans take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 One-Pot Lemon Herb Pasta with Spinach and 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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Lemon Herb Pasta with Spinach and 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 One-Pot Lemon Herb Pasta with Spinach and 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.
What goes well with One-Pot Lemon Herb Pasta with Spinach and White Beans?
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
- ★★★★★
Absolutely loved the combination of lemon, herbs, and white beans. It's become a weekly staple!
- ★★★★★
My family devoured this in minutes. It's healthy and so easy to make in one pot.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer! The lemon and herbs really brightened up the pasta, and the spinach and beans made it so hearty.
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