Name: Beans in Lemon Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil (Extra virgin preferred for richness; can substitute with avocado oil or canola oil.); 1 medium shallot, chopped (Can substitute with yellow onions or green onions.); 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided (Adjust to taste.); 2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (Navy beans or garbanzo beans can be used as alternatives.); 1/2 cup water (Use vegetable broth for more flavor.); 2 teaspoons lemon zest (Lime zest is a good substitute.); 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (Avoid bottled juice for better flavor.); 2 tablespoons mascarpone cheese (Cream cheese or sour cream can be used as substitutes.); 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (Nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free option.); 1/4 cup sliced basil (Can be substituted with parsley or spinach.); lemon infused olive oil, to serve (optional) (Optional but adds great flavor.); crusty bread, for serving (Choose a bread that holds up well to the sauce.)

This Beans in Lemon Sauce comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot, making it a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! You can switch up the types of beans or add in whatever leftover veggies are lurking in your fridge to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking to clean out the fridge or just want a delicious, comforting meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

Ingredient Breakdown

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 shallot, chopped
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons lemon zest
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons mascarpone cheese
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup sliced basil
Lemon infused olive oil, to serve (optional)
Crusty bread, for serving

Let’s Get Cooking!

Heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat for about 30 seconds.
Toss in the shallots and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook until fragrant and beginning to soften, about 1 minute. You want them to be just starting to get that lovely golden color.
Add the cannelini beans to the saucepan and gently toss them, coating them well with the oil and shallot.
Pour in the water, then add the lemon zest and lemon juice along with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring this to a simmer, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, this is where all the magic happens!
Let it cook for about 5 minutes. This allows all those flavors to marry beautifully. You’ll start to smell the uplifting lemony goodness a total game changer!
Stir in the mascarpone and parmesan cheese, mixing gently until creamy and well combined. The sauce will thicken, and it’s going to look so inviting!
Toss in the sliced basil and give it one last stir to incorporate. You can already think about how good it’s going to taste!
Serve, drizzling with lemon-infused olive oil (if using) and alongside some crusty bread for dipping. Dive into this rich, creamy delight!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick, comforting, and totally satisfying. It’s really the ultimate family favorite, easy to whip up, even on the busiest weeknights. I’m a real sucker for those creamy textures combined with zesty flavors, and the best part is you can use whatever you’ve got on hand to make it work! Just thinking about it makes me pretty hungry, seriously, delicious beans in lemon sauce? Yes, please!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Miso Pasta Sauce with Cannellini Beans and Leeks, my Caramelized Onion Cannellini Beans, or my Italian Sausage White Bean Soup!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This delicious dish comes together all in about 30 minutes. So you can prep and cook it FAST after a long day at work, or on a busy weekend. It really is perfect for when time is limited!

One-Pot Wonder

Minimal cleanup required! Since everything is cooked in just one pan, you won’t be left scrubbing a mountain of dishes afterward. Yay for less mess!

Comfort Food

This recipe is loaded with tons of flavor, combining creamy beans with zesty lemon and rich cheeses. Every bite feels like a warm hug, making it the perfect comfort food!

Customizable

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s super versatile. You can use different types of beans or toss in whatever bits of veggies you have lying around. Broccoli, spinach, or even leftover roasted veggies would work great!

Budget-Friendly

Using pantry staples like beans and a few fresh ingredients, this dish won’t break the bank. It’s friendly on the wallet, and, it’s filling too!

How to Serve This Beans in Lemon Sauce

Pair this comforting dish with crusty bread for the perfect dipping experience! A fresh side salad or some sautéed greens would complement it well, too.

Storage

This Beans in Lemon Sauce will keep in your refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container!

Reheating Instructions

I recommend reheating in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, as the sauce can thicken upon cooling. You can add a splash of water or extra olive oil if it seems too thick.

Freezer Friendly

Yes, this recipe is freezer-friendly! Just cool completely and place in a freezer-safe container. It’ll last about 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stovetop.

With all its zesty, creamy goodness, this Beans in Lemon Sauce recipe is destined to become your new favorite weeknight meal! It’s quick, easy, and perfect for the whole family. Just one bite, and you’ll understand why it holds such a special place in my heart. Happy cooking! Follow LunaChef on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration and air fryer cooking tips.