Spaghetti with White Bean Sauce

Indulge in the comforting flavors of spaghetti with white bean sauce, a creamy and satisfying vegetarian dish that's as wholesome as it is delicious. This easy recipe combines al dente spaghetti with a luscious, protein-packed sauce made from puréed white beans, garlic, and vegetable broth, all brightened with the zest and juice of fresh lemon. Perfectly seasoned with red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of parsley, this dish offers a beautifully balanced blend of savory and zesty notes. Not only is it quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, but it’s also an excellent choice for a nutritious weeknight dinner. Serve with a side of crusty bread and a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal. Whether you're looking for a plant-based pasta or a new twist on classic spaghetti, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 large garlic cloves
• 15 oz canned white beans (e.g., cannellini or great northern beans), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 large lemon (juice and zest)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti and set it aside.

Step 2

While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let them burn.

Step 4

Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine with the garlic and oil.

Step 5

Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet and stir. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly.

Step 6

Use an immersion blender to carefully purée the white bean mixture in the skillet until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a blender, purée, then return it to the skillet.

Step 7

Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using.

Step 8

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the noodles. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 9

Serve the spaghetti in bowls or plates, topped with grated Parmesan cheese (if using), a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and more red pepper flakes if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1356.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2286.2

Total Fat 101.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 48.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 189.6mg	0%
Sodium 6992.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 207.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.6g	0%
Total Sugars 9.9g
Protein 139.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2945.0mg	0%
Iron 16.8mg	0%
Potassium 2372.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.7%

Protein: 24.2%

Carbs: 36.1%