This Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet is like a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tender white beans, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s comfort food at its best.
Making this dish is super easy! I love how quick it comes together for busy nights, and it tastes even better the next day… if there’s any left! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Beans: Cannellini or great northern beans are great choices for their creamy texture. If you’re looking for a change, navy beans or chickpeas can also work well here.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add concentrated flavor, but you can use fresh tomatoes if that’s what you have. Just chop them and add a little extra cooking time to soften them up.
Heavy Cream: While rich, you can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option, or use half-and-half for a lighter version. Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used for a tangy twist but add it off the heat.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for its flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can give you a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Spinach: Fresh spinach works great due to its quick wilting nature. Kale is a sturdy alternative, but it may require a bit longer to cook down.
How Do I Properly Sauté Aromatics?
Sautéing garlic and shallots sets a wonderful flavor base for your dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning. You want deliciously fragrant, not bitter garlic.
- After adding, swirl them around for even cooking. Look for them to become translucent and soft, about 2-3 minutes.
- If you want even more flavor, consider adding herbs early with the aromatics.
Following these steps ensures a solid foundation for your creamy skillet dish! Feel free to taste along the way to adjust seasoning as you go. Happy cooking!
Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, adds freshness)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried basil and oregano)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Optional: Crusty toasted bread slices to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend about 30 minutes making a delicious and cozy meal that serves about 4 people!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This will make sure your aromatics cook nicely without burning.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and chopped shallot. Sauté them until they’re fragrant and softened, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you want them to be golden, not brown!
3. Add Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for another 1-2 minutes to release their flavors. If you’re using cherry tomatoes, now is the time to toss them in as well.
4. Incorporate Beans:
Add the drained white beans to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where it really starts to smell amazing!
5. Pour in Cream and Broth:
Now, pour in the heavy cream and vegetable or chicken broth, stirring to combine everything well. This is going to create that luscious, creamy sauce.
6. Add Spinach:
Mix in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts down, about 2-3 minutes. Remember, it will shrink quite a bit, so don’t worry if it looks like a lot at first!
7. Stir in Cheese and Seasoning:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir to incorporate everything, creating a deliciously creamy texture. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to your taste.
8. Simmer:
Let the sauce simmer gently for another 3-5 minutes so it thickens up a bit. This is where all the flavors really meld together!
9. Garnish:
Once thickened, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh basil and add some extra Parmesan on top for that cheesy finish.
10. Serve:
Your Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet is ready to enjoy! Serve it immediately, preferably with some warm, toasted crusty bread for dipping!
Enjoy this hearty, creamy, and flavorful skillet dish that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight meal!
Can I Use Canned Beans Instead of Dried Beans?
Absolutely! Canned beans are a great time-saver and work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to your skillet.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or milk. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream or a thick cashew cream will also work well, keeping the dish creamy and delicious!
What Vegetables Can I Add to This Dish?
Feel free to get creative! You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the garlic and shallots at the beginning.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.