Garlic Lemon White Bean Scampi with Linguine

This white bean scampi over whole-wheat linguine is a satisfying, high-fiber vegetarian take on classic shrimp scampi. Creamy cannellini beans provide plant-based protein and substance, while garlic, white wine, lemon, and a touch of butter create a bright, savory sauce. Cherry tomatoes and baby spinach add color and freshness, making this an easy weeknight favorite that still feels special.

White Bean Scampi with Linguine

This vegetarian entrée captures the familiar flavors of scampi—garlic, lemon, white wine, and butter—but swaps shrimp for mild cannellini (white) beans. The beans keep the dish filling and add fiber, while whole-wheat linguine boosts the meal’s nutritional profile. Use a dry white wine such as pinot grigio or chardonnay for depth; if you prefer not to cook with wine, substitute an equal amount of low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Vegetarian Scampi Ingredients

• Whole-wheat linguine: 8 ounces. If you don’t have linguine, angel hair or spaghetti will work.
• Kosher salt: 1 teaspoon, plus more for the pasta water.
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing the aromatics.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced.
• Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste.
• Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon.
• Dry white wine: 1/2 cup (or use broth if you prefer no alcohol).
• Cherry tomatoes: 2 cups (about a 10-ounce container), halved.
• Baby spinach: 8 ounces; it will cook down significantly.
• Cannellini or navy beans: 2 (15-ounce) cans, drained and rinsed.
• Lemon juice: 1/4 cup (about one lemon) for brightness.
• Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon (or vegan butter) to finish the sauce.
• Fresh parsley: 1/2 cup, finely chopped for garnish.
• Grated Parmesan: Optional for serving (use vegan parmesan if desired).

How to Make Cannellini Scampi

• Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until just shy of al dente—about one minute less than package directions. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
• Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and black pepper; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.
• Build the sauce: Pour in the white wine (or broth) and add the salt. Bring to a simmer and reduce the liquid until it thickens slightly—enough to coat a spoon and reach a texture similar to light cream.
• Add tomatoes and spinach: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook 1–2 minutes so they warm through but remain intact. Add the spinach in batches, stirring until it wilts before adding more; this takes about 2 minutes total.
• Combine pasta and sauce: Return the cooked linguine to the pot with the reserved pasta water. Increase the heat to medium-high and toss occasionally until the sauce reduces further and clings to the pasta, about 1–2 minutes.
• Finish with beans and lemon: Lower the heat to medium, add the drained cannellini beans and lemon juice, and warm through for about 1 minute.
• Finish and serve: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the butter until melted. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if using.

What to Serve with Cannellini Bean Scampi

This dish is hearty enough to be a complete meal thanks to the beans and vegetables, but it also pairs well with a simple big green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for extra color and texture. A light, crisp green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil complements the bright flavors of the scampi.

How to Freeze Vegetarian Scampi

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Note that pasta can soften with freezing; reheating with a splash of broth or a little extra lemon juice helps refresh the sauce.

More Vegetarian Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

• Balsamic roasted vegetables and white bean pasta
• Angel hair pasta with zucchini and tomatoes
• Pasta with asparagus
• Grilled vegetable orzo pasta salad
• Cheesy baked penne with roasted vegetables

If you try this White Bean Scampi recipe, please leave a rating and comment below to share how it turned out. Photos and feedback help improve the recipe and inspire others to try it.