Creamy Lemon White Bean Pasta Bowl

Name: Creamy Lemon White Bean Pasta Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta of choice; 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed; 1 lemon (zest and juice); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup vegetable broth; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Daily Favorites

I absolutely love how this Creamy Lemon White Bean Pasta Bowl marries the zestiness of lemon with the creaminess of white beans. The moment I took my first bite, I was amazed at how the bright flavors danced together in harmony. It’s an easy dish that comes together quickly, perfect for those busy weeknights when I still want something comforting and nourishing. This recipe is not just delightful; it's loaded with protein and fiber, making it a wholesome choice for any meal of the day.

Created by

Seraphina Moore

Last updated on 2026-01-21T20:18:35.003Z

When I first experimented with this recipe, I was searching for a way to enjoy a creamy pasta dish without the heaviness that often comes with cream. The blend of white beans and lemon creates a luscious sauce that kept me coming back for more. I was surprised at how creamy the texture turned out without using any dairy! It’s a game-changer for anyone looking for a lighter option.

Each time I prepare this dish, I remember to reserve some pasta water. It's a small but mighty trick that helps achieve the perfect balance in the sauce. The starchy water not only thickens the sauce but also helps it cling beautifully to the pasta. Trust me; it's essential for that velvety consistency.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Bright and zesty lemon flavor that lifts your mood
Creamy consistency without heavy cream
Packed with protein and fiber for a healthy meal

      

Perfecting the Pasta

Choosing the right pasta for this dish is crucial to achieving the perfect texture and flavor balance. I recommend using pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like fusilli or penne, as they trap the creamy lemon sauce beautifully. Cook the pasta until al dente, which typically means about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. This ensures the pasta retains a slight bite and doesn't become mushy when combined with the sauce.

Remember to reserve that cup of pasta water before draining! This starchy water is a secret weapon for adjusting the sauce's consistency later on. If your sauce feels too thick, a splash of this reserved water can help achieve that desired creamy texture without additional calories or heaviness.

Crafting the Creamy Sauce

The white beans lend a rich creaminess to the sauce while keeping it light and nutritious. If you're not a fan of white beans, you can swap in chickpeas or cannellini beans for a different flavor profile and texture. Just make sure to mash them slightly with a fork in the skillet; this helps them blend seamlessly with the other sauce components and enhances the creaminess.

Sautéing the garlic until fragrant is an important step here. Aim for just a minute over medium heat to avoid burning—charred garlic can introduce a bitter flavor that competes with the freshness of the lemon. As the beans, broth, and lemon come together, keep stirring until everything is heated through and enveloped in a glossy coating.

Serving and Storing Your Pasta Bowl

For a stunning presentation, serve your pasta with a heavy sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dash of additional lemon zest on top. Not only does this add color, but it also elevates the citrus notes that make this dish sing. If you want an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes on top for a delightful heat that contrasts with the creamy sauce.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or a drizzle of olive oil and heat gently in a skillet over low heat. This helps restore the creamy texture and prevents the pasta from drying out.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to whip up your Creamy Lemon White Bean Pasta Bowl.

Ingredients

8 ounces pasta of choice
1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
1 lemon (zest and juice)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Once you have your ingredients ready, you're just a few steps away from enjoying this delicious pasta bowl!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Creamy Lemon White Bean Pasta Bowl.

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest.

Prepare the Sauce

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the white beans, vegetable broth, lemon zest, and juice.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

Garnish

Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness.

Your Creamy Lemon White Bean Pasta Bowl is ready to be enjoyed. Dig in!

Pro Tips

For an added touch, consider sprinkling some chili flakes for a subtle heat that pairs well with the lemony flavor.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If you find the sauce too thick after combining it with the pasta, don’t worry! Simply keep adding a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches a smooth and drizzle-worthy consistency. This tactic can salvage a sauce that may seem too heavy or dense.

On the other hand, if your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by letting it simmer on low heat for an extra couple of minutes. Alternatively, adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast or a small amount of mashed beans directly to the sauce can help thicken it while keeping the overall flavor intact.

Storage and Meal Prep Ideas

This creamy lemon white bean pasta can easily be made ahead of time for meal prep. Prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine them just before serving to maintain the best texture. The dish stays fresh in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge, making it a fantastic option for quick weeknight dinners.

If you’re looking to make this pasta dish suitable for longer storage, consider freezing the sauce separately. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly, adding freshly cooked pasta for the best results.

Flavor Variations

For a different twist on this classic dish, you can incorporate seasonal vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or peas. Simply sauté them alongside the garlic for a vibrant and colorful addition that boosts nutrition and flavor without complicating the recipe.

If you like a more Italian flair, try adding a pinch of Italian herbs such as oregano or basil to the sauce. These herbs will complement the zesty lemon beautifully and offer a comforting herbal undertone to the pasta bowl.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat pasta?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta works wonderfully and adds more fiber.

→ Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is completely vegan-friendly!

→ What other beans can I use?

You could try using cannellini beans or chickpeas as alternatives!

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.