Sicilian Lemon-Garlic Pasta with White Beans
A bright, tangy pasta dish featuring cannellini beans, zesty lemon, and garlic in a simple olive oil sauce. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs pasta, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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 pasta
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 can cannellini beans
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 12 oz pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then add 6 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 2 minutes until golden but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 can drained cannellini beans and 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, stirring to warm through.
- Step 4: Toss in cooked pasta with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp lemon juice, cooking for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sicilian Lemon-Garlic Pasta 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 Sicilian Lemon-Garlic Pasta 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 pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sicilian Lemon-Garlic Pasta 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 Sicilian Lemon-Garlic Pasta 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 Sicilian Lemon-Garlic Pasta 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.
