Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Creamy White Bean Pasta Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 9 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Creamy White Bean Pasta Sauce is a luscious, dairy-free alternative that combines sautéed onions and garlic with pureed white beans to create a rich and velvety sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it uses simple pantry staples and fresh lemon juice for brightness. The sauce is blended to a smooth consistency, then warmed and tossed with pasta for an easy, comforting meal that serves eight.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 (16 oz) package pasta of your choice

White Bean Sauce

  • 1 (15.5 oz) can white beans, drained (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 medium onion (about 1 cup diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: While the pasta cooks, peel and dice the onion and mince the garlic. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan over low heat. Add the diced onion and garlic along with a sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté gently until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Prepare the sauce base: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to a blender. Add the drained white beans, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1/2 cup of the reserved starchy pasta water.
  4. Blend the sauce: Blend the mixture on high speed until extremely smooth and creamy. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water and blend again to reach a silky consistency.
  5. Warm the sauce: Pour the blended white bean cream sauce back into the frying pan. Warm it over low heat, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the pan with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat each strand or piece evenly with the creamy sauce.
  7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top and serve the pasta hot for a comforting and delicious meal.

Notes

  • You can use any pasta shape you prefer — penne, spaghetti, or fusilli work well.
  • For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of pasta water added or cook the sauce slightly longer over low heat.
  • If you want extra flavor, add a pinch of nutritional yeast or Parmesan cheese if not vegan.
  • This sauce can also double as a creamy dip or spread for sandwiches.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Pasta Sauce
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/creamy-white-bean-pasta-sauce-recipe-2/