Name: White Bean Aglio Olio
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces spaghetti; ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (grated or minced); 1 small red chili (finely chopped, or 1 – 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes); 4 tablespoons parsley (finely chopped); 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans (or 1½ cups cooked beans); ¼ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)

Why Make This Recipe

White Bean Aglio Olio is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the comforting texture of spaghetti with the rich essence of garlic and the creaminess of cannellini beans. This recipe shines with minimal ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering. The blend of garlic, olive oil, and beans not only creates a savory sauce but also packs in nutrition, making this dish both delicious and healthy.

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How to Make White Bean Aglio Olio

Ingredients

12 ounces spaghetti
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic (grated or minced)
1 small red chili (finely chopped, or 1 – 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes. Adjust to your liking.)
4 tablespoons parsley (finely chopped)
1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans (or 1½ cups cooked beans)
¼ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)

Directions

Prep the Ingredients: Grate or mince the 3 cloves of garlic, chop the 4 tablespoons of parsley, and finely chop the 1 small red chili.
Make Sauce: Heat ⅓ cup of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add the garlic and chili, sautéing for about 30 seconds. Next, add the chopped parsley, drained and rinsed cannellini beans, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Sauté everything on medium-low heat for roughly 5 minutes.
Cook Pasta: While the sauce cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the 12 ounces of spaghetti according to package instructions, minus 1 minute. Once the pasta is done, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, drain the pasta, and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a ladleful of reserved pasta water if needed. Continue to cook for about 1 minute or until the pasta is al dente and well coated in the sauce.
Serve: Serve the White Bean Aglio Olio immediately, topping each portion with a couple of spoonfuls of sauce.

How to Serve White Bean Aglio Olio

This dish is best served hot, right after cooking. Garnish with extra parsley or chili flakes if desired. Pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Store White Bean Aglio Olio

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove. You can add a splash of water or olive oil to help with reheating and to restore some moisture.

Tips to Make White Bean Aglio Olio

Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Adjust the amount of red chili or red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
For added texture, try mixing in some sautéed spinach or kale.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp for extra richness. If you prefer a vegetarian option, consider tossing in some sautéed mushrooms for added earthiness.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans?
Yes, you can substitute cannellini beans with other beans like great northern beans or navy beans, depending on your preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti or another gluten-free pasta of your choice.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Enjoy it as is or enhance it with vegan toppings if desired.