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Creamy White Bean Pasta Sauce Recipe

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4.1 from 10 reviews

This creamy white bean pasta sauce is a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional creamy sauces. Made with simple ingredients like white beans, garlic, onion, and olive oil, this sauce is blended to silky perfection and tossed with your favorite pasta. It's a comforting, protein-rich vegan sauce that is quick to prepare and full of flavor, making it perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

White Bean Pasta 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 pasta cooking water (reserved)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Pasta

  • 1 (16 oz) package pasta of your choice
  • Salt for pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: While the pasta cooks, peel and dice the onion and mince the garlic. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over low heat in a frying pan. Add diced onion, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté gently until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Blend the Sauce: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to a blender, add the drained white beans, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and 1/2 cup of the reserved hot pasta water. Blend on high until the mixture is very smooth. Add the remaining 1/2 cup pasta water and blend again until creamy and fully combined.
  4. Warm the Sauce: Pour the blended white bean sauce back into the frying pan used for sautéing. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the sauce. Toss gently to coat every strand or piece evenly with the creamy white bean sauce.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
  • You can substitute other beans such as cannellini or great northern beans if desired.
  • This sauce is naturally vegan and gluten-free when paired with gluten-free pasta.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for preferred spiciness.
  • Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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