The Simple Slim Kitchen 30-day meal planning system
30 DAYS OF MEALS
🍴 MAKE DINNER EASIER
Tired of Figuring Out What to Cook Every Night?
Get 62 simple recipes, a complete 30-day meal plan, weekly shopping lists and easy meal-prep guidance.
Complete Digital System — Just $17
SEE THE 30-DAY MEAL PLAN →
Instant digital access • One-time purchase
Japanese-style chef knife
UP TO 70% OFF
SMART KITCHEN UPGRADE
A Seriously Sharp Chef Knife Without the Premium Price.
Ice-hardened steel, a comfortable control grip, and a sharp edge made for slicing meat, vegetables, herbs and more.
SPECIAL ONLINE DEAL
FROM $24.99 EACH
with select bundle
SEE TODAY'S KNIFE DEAL →
60-day guarantee • Online offer

Lemon Garlic Pasta with Green Beans Recipe

Lemon Garlic Pasta with Green Beans Recipe

Lemon Garlic Pasta with Green Beans is a vibrant, quick weeknight dinner that strikes the perfect balance between fresh flavors and satisfying comfort. With zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and crisp green beans, this dish is designed to tantalize your taste buds without keeping you in the kitchen for hours. Tossed in a light olive oil sauce and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s a meal everyone will crave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Garlic Pasta with Green Beans is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a burst of flavor and nutrition without the hassle.

🎁 TEMU $0 KITCHEN GIFTS

6 Kitchen Finds You May Be Able to Get for $0

Temu is currently showing these kitchen products as $0 gifts for eligible app users with qualifying orders. Tap any item below to check the current offer.

🎁 $0 gift availability may vary. Offers shown are for eligible Temu app users with qualifying orders. Tap a product to see current eligibility, pricing and terms.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you use links on this page.
  • Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Packed with vibrant flavors.
  • Customizable: Easy to adapt with what you have on hand.
  • Comforting: A satisfying pasta dish that feels indulgent.
  • Light & Bright: A refreshing option that won’t weigh you down.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

How to Make Lemon Garlic Pasta with Green Beans

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. During the last 3 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the green beans to the pot. This will blanch the beans while the pasta finishes cooking.
  3. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and green beans. Set aside.
  4. In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add the cooked spaghetti and green beans back into the pot. Pour in the lemon juice and zest, and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
  6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss until well combined.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor.
  • Don’t skip the lemon zest; it adds a bright note that elevates the dish.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference for a more or less robust flavor.
  • Reserve extra pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.

Easy Variations

  • Swap spaghetti for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
  • Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
  • Toss in cherry tomatoes or spinach for additional color and nutrients.
  • Experiment with different cheeses, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique twist.

What to Serve With It

  • A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette.
  • Garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.
  • A glass of chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, for a refreshing pairing.
  • Grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.

Recipe Card

Recipe Name: Lemon Garlic Pasta with Green Beans
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield/Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients:

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. During the last 3 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the green beans to the pot. This will blanch the beans while the pasta finishes cooking.
  3. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and green beans. Set aside.
  4. In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add the cooked spaghetti and green beans back into the pot. Pour in the lemon juice and zest, and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
  6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss until well combined.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Notes: Adjust the garlic and lemon to your taste. Enjoy this dish fresh for the best flavor!

Related Posts

Your Next 30 Days of Meals — Already Planned
The Simple Slim Kitchen
Stop wondering what to cook every night. Get a complete 30-day meal system that makes meals, shopping & prep easier.
✓ 62 Recipes ✓ 30-Day Plan ✓ Shopping Lists ✓ Meal Prep
Get the complete digital system
$37 $17 TODAY
Instant Access  •  One-Time Purchase  •  60-Day Guarantee
GET THE 30-DAY MEAL PLAN — $17
No thanks, continue to CraveFinch.com
Scroll to Top