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Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe Easy Homemade with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

creamy tuscan white bean skillet - featured image

A cozy and comforting creamy Tuscan white bean skillet with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for a quick and hearty meatless meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups (about 120 g) fresh baby spinach, packed
  • ½ cup (about 70 g) packed sun-dried tomatoes, preferably oil-packed and chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free option)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable broth
  • ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil mix)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the canned white beans thoroughly. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces. Mince the garlic and finely chop the shallot. Rinse the spinach and pat it dry.
  2. Place your skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Let it warm until shimmering but not smoking, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Avoid burning the garlic.
  4. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook together for 1-2 minutes to release flavors.
  5. Add the rinsed white beans and stir to coat with the aromatic mixture. Heat through for about 3 minutes, gently mashing a few beans against the pan to create creaminess.
  6. Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Add the fresh spinach in batches, stirring until wilted. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until melted and integrated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Let the skillet simmer for another 2 minutes to meld flavors and achieve creamy consistency.
  9. Remove from heat and serve immediately with crusty bread or over your favorite grain.

Notes

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth or cream. If too thin, simmer longer but watch to prevent scorching. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes or rehydrate dry ones for best texture. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan white bean skillet, creamy white beans, spinach skillet, sun-dried tomatoes recipe, vegetarian skillet, easy weeknight dinner, plant-based protein