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: 12 oz pasta of your choice (penne or spaghetti work well); 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Home Healthy Meals Favorites

I absolutely adore this creamy lemon white bean pasta bowl! It's the perfect balance of rich and bright flavors that come together in a quick and satisfying meal. The white beans add a lovely creaminess without the need for heavy dairy, and the zesty lemon lifts the dish to a new level. I love how this recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Trust me, once you give this a try, it will become a staple in your kitchen.

Created by

Esme Caldwell

Last updated on 2026-01-19T22:09:34.745Z

When I first experimented with this creamy lemon white bean pasta bowl, I was blown away by how simple yet flavorful it turned out. The key is to blend the beans with a touch of olive oil and lemon juice to create a beautifully smooth sauce. I found that toasting the garlic before adding it to the beans enhances the overall depth and gives the dish a warm, aromatic flavor.

Another great tip is to reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta. Adding a splash of this starchy water helps achieve that perfect creamy consistency, allowing the sauce to cling beautifully to every strand. It's a technique I use often, not just in this recipe!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Bright, zesty lemon flavor that refreshes the palate
Creamy texture that's incredibly satisfying and plant-based
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings

Unlocking the Creamy Texture

The secret to achieving a creamy texture in this Lemon White Bean Pasta Bowl lies in the white beans. When blended, they create a smooth, velvety sauce that mimics the richness of cream without dairy. Use canned white beans like cannellini or navy beans for convenience. If you prefer a homemade approach, cook dried beans until tender, which can deepen the flavor profile of your dish. Just remember to soak them overnight and cook for about 1-1.5 hours until soft.

Blending the beans with a splash of reserved pasta water is key to achieving the right consistency. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach the desired creaminess. If your sauce appears too thick, don't hesitate to incorporate additional pasta water—about a tablespoon at a time—until you achieve a glossy finish. This way, your sauce adheres beautifully to the pasta.

Perfecting Flavor with Lemon

Lemon plays a pivotal role in ensuring this dish remains vibrant and fresh. For the best flavor, use fresh lemons instead of bottled juice, as the zest and juice from fresh lemons provide a bright acidity that enhances the overall taste. When zesting the lemon, be careful to only remove the yellow skin, avoiding the white pith, which can taste bitter. This little detail can profoundly impact your dish’s flavor profile.

To balance the tartness of the lemon, make sure to season generously with salt and pepper. These seasonings not only enhance the pasta, but they also bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. Taste as you go along, adjusting the seasoning if necessary, to ensure you achieve just the right balance of creamy, tangy, and savory elements in your pasta bowl.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your creamy lemon white bean pasta bowl:

Ingredients

12 oz pasta of your choice (penne or spaghetti work well)
1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Enjoy the deliciousness of your creamy lemon white bean pasta bowl!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your dish:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.

Prepare the Sauce

In a blender, combine the white beans, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and half of the lemon zest. Blend until smooth, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.

Combine and Serve

In the pot with the drained pasta, add the blended sauce and mix well. Season with salt, pepper, and the remaining lemon zest. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Serve garnished with fresh parsley.

Dig into your delightful creamy lemon white bean pasta bowl!

Pro Tips

For an added crunch, top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts. You can also substitute the white beans with cannellini or chickpeas for variety.

Variations to Consider

Feel free to experiment with the type of pasta you use. Whole wheat or gluten-free options can be used in this recipe with little to no adjustment in cooking time. For a heartier version, consider adding spinach or kale during the last minute of pasta cooking. This not only boosts the nutritional content but also adds a beautiful color contrast to the dish.

If you’re looking for protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. For a plant-based twist, try incorporating roasted zucchini or any seasonal vegetables you have on hand. Just ensure to sauté them beforehand until they’re tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes over medium heat.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This creamy lemon white bean pasta bowl makes for excellent leftovers, and the flavors may even deepen overnight in the fridge. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to the pasta to maintain moisture, as the sauce may thicken in the fridge. Microwave in short intervals or heat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, to ensure even warming.

If you plan to prepare this dish ahead of time, consider keeping the sauce separate from the pasta until it's ready to be served. This helps retain the pasta’s texture and prevents it from becoming soggy. You can blend the sauce in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days for a quick assembly when it's mealtime.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! Any gluten-free pasta will work well with this recipe.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated easily.

→ How can I make this vegan?

This recipe is already vegan since it uses white beans instead of dairy! Just ensure your pasta is vegan as well.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and flavor!