Simple Garlic Olive Oil Pasta with White Beans
Al dente high-protein pasta tossed in rich extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and savory nutritional yeast. Paired with a warm side of tender white beans for effortless plant-based protein in 15 minutes.
Prep
5 min
Cook
10 min
Total
15 min
Makes
1 serving
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Jen + Lila
Jen created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthEveryday strength
Support the basics consistently
A nourishing meal supports the protein, energy and overall nutrition that help you keep showing up for daily movement.
Notice: energy for movement
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
5 min
Cook
10 min
Total
15 min
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Equipment
Saucepan
Time saver
Measure everything before you start so this quick recipe moves without pauses.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 8 steps complete
Next: Fill a medium saucepan with water
- 01
Fill a medium saucepan with water
Fill a medium saucepan with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over high heat.
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Add high-protein pasta to the boiling water…
Add high-protein pasta to the boiling water and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente, testing a piece for a tender yet firm bite.
Look for: al dente, testing a piece for a tender yet firm bite
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Warm extra virgin olive oil in a…
While pasta cooks, warm extra virgin olive oil in a small pan over low heat. Add thin garlic slices and stir gently for 1 to 2 minutes until pale golden and fragrant.
Look for: pale golden and fragrant
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Place white beans in a small microwave-safe…
Place white beans in a small microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 45 seconds until warmed through.
Look for: warmed through
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Drain pasta
Drain pasta, reserving 2 tablespoons (30ml) of warm pasta cooking liquid.
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Return drained pasta to the saucepan over…
Return drained pasta to the saucepan over low heat. Pour in warm garlic olive oil, reserved cooking liquid, and nutritional yeast, tossing for 1 minute until a smooth, savory coating forms.
Look for: a smooth, savory coating forms
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Season pasta with salt and black pepper
Season pasta with salt and black pepper.
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Plate the warm garlic pasta immediately alongside…
Plate the warm garlic pasta immediately alongside the heated white beans.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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