Sautéed Garlic and White Bean Pasta
A simple, flavorful pasta dish with creamy white beans and aromatic garlic, perfect for weeknight dinners. 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 420 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 spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed cannellini beans
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: 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.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained cannellini beans and 1/2 tsp salt, mashing half the beans with a fork to create a creamy base. Add 1/4 tsp black pepper and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, cooking for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet with 2 tbsp chopped parsley, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce clings to each strand.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic and White Bean Pasta 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 Sautéed Garlic and White Bean Pasta?
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 Sautéed Garlic and White Bean Pasta?
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 Sautéed Garlic and White Bean Pasta 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 Sautéed Garlic and White Bean Pasta?
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
- ★★★★★
Best pasta I've made in months. So simple and satisfying.
- ★★★★★
Perfect with a sprinkle of Parmesan. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
My family devoured this. Simple and flavorful.
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