Creamy White Bean Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy white bean pasta sauce brings a luscious texture and deliciously mild flavor to any pasta dish. The white beans blend perfectly to create a smooth, velvety sauce that feels indulgent but is entirely plant-based. The addition of garlic, onion, and lemon juice enhances the flavor profile, creating a balanced taste with a slight tang. With minimal prep time and only a few ingredients, it’s an easy and quick meal for any occasion. Whether you’re vegan or just looking to reduce your dairy intake, this sauce is a fantastic choice for a creamy, wholesome pasta dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 (16 oz package) pasta

• 1 (15.5 oz can) white beans, drained (about 1 1/2 cups)

• 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 cup pasta water

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook your pasta according to the package directions in salted water, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.

2. While the pasta is cooking, peel and dice the onion and mince the garlic. In a frying pan, sauté them over low heat with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until the onions become translucent.

3. Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to a blender, along with the lemon juice, white beans, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water.

4. Blend until the mixture is smooth, then add the remaining 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water and blend again.

5. Pour the white bean sauce back into the frying pan and heat over low. Add more salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

6. Toss the drained pasta in the sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add Nutritional Yeast: For an extra layer of umami flavor, add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the sauce.

• Soy Sauce or Tamari: A teaspoon of soy sauce or tamari can enhance the depth of the sauce’s flavor.

• Roasted Vegetables: Toss in some roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added texture and taste.

• Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce if you enjoy a spicier dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little more pasta water if necessary to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I make this creamy white bean pasta sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a bit of pasta water to bring it back to the right consistency.

2. Can I freeze the creamy white bean pasta sauce?

Yes, this sauce can be frozen. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then gently warm it on the stove.

3. Can I use other types of beans for this recipe?

Yes, other white beans like cannellini beans or navy beans will work well in this recipe.

4. What pasta is best for this sauce?

Any type of pasta works with this sauce, but shorter pastas like penne, fusilli, or rotini tend to hold the sauce better.

5. Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or even plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a protein-packed meal.

6. How do I make this sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can cook the sauce a little longer to reduce the liquid, or add less pasta water when blending.

7. Can I use store-bought pasta instead of making my own?

Yes, store-bought pasta works perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions.

8. How do I make the sauce more creamy?

To make the sauce even creamier, try blending in a tablespoon of vegan cream cheese or cashews with the beans.

9. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, feel free to add more red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the sauce a spicier kick.

10. Can I use olive oil in place of another oil?

Yes, olive oil is great in this recipe, but you can use other oils like avocado oil if preferred.

Conclusion

This creamy white bean pasta sauce is the perfect vegan alternative to traditional creamy pasta sauces. With a handful of simple ingredients and a quick prep time, it’s an easy, satisfying dish that can be customized to your tastes. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking for a lighter pasta option, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it with your favorite pasta and fresh herbs for a delicious, creamy meal!