Pasta with Lemon-Herb Tomato Sauce and White Beans

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright, hearty pasta dish featuring sun-ripened tomatoes, creamy white beans, and fresh herbs for a satisfying weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, cannellini beans 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes begin to break down and release their juices.
  4. Step 4: Stir in drained cannellini beans, half the chopped basil, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to warm through.
  5. Step 5: Add drained penne to the skillet, tossing to coat. Stir in 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, then continue adding pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until sauce coats the pasta evenly and looks glossy, about 3 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat. Stir in remaining chopped parsley and basil. Serve immediately with extra basil for garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pasta with Lemon-Herb Tomato Sauce and White Beans take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Pasta with Lemon-Herb Tomato Sauce 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 Pasta with Lemon-Herb Tomato Sauce 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 Pasta with Lemon-Herb Tomato Sauce 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.

Is Pasta with Lemon-Herb Tomato Sauce and 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.

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