This marry me white bean and spinach skillet is a cozy one-pan meal. It’s packed with healthy ingredients like white beans, fresh spinach, and tasty spices that make it irresistible!
Honestly, this dish is so good that it might just lead to a proposal! 😂 I love how simple it is to whip up; just toss everything in the skillet and enjoy a delicious meal in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a wonderful flavor. However, if you’re looking for a different taste, try avocado oil or even butter for richness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, jarred minced garlic works too. Just use about a teaspoon for each clove.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: These add a tangy flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes, but remember to adjust cooking time to soften them.
White Beans: Cannellini and Great Northern are perfect, but you could swap them for navy beans or even chickpeas for variety!
Broth: Vegetable broth is great for a light touch, but chicken broth will provide a richer base. Choose according to your preference.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully, but frozen spinach can be used as well. Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.
How Do I Get Perfectly Wilted Spinach?
Wilting spinach is super easy and adds a delicious touch to your dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Add the spinach towards the end of cooking, allowing it to retain some structure.
- Gently stir the spinach into the hot mixture until it just begins to wilt, which takes about 2 minutes.
- For best results, use clean, fresh spinach. It should look vibrant and green to make your dish appealing!
Enjoy the fresh flavors while keeping some crunch in your spinach for a delightful texture!
Marry Me White Bean & Spinach Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes to cook, totaling about 25 minutes from start to finish. Quick, easy, and so tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Olive Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This will ensure that your ingredients cook evenly and get that lovely flavor!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, just until it starts to smell amazing. Be careful not to let it burn—this step is critical for good flavor!
3. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes. This allows the flavors to deepen and makes your skillet even more delicious.
4. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add the drained and rinsed white beans, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes (if you want some spice), and broth. Stir everything together well, so each ingredient is evenly distributed.
5. Let It Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. This will help meld all those fantastic flavors and slightly reduce the broth.
6. Add the Spinach:
Once the simmering is done, place the fresh spinach leaves on top. Gently stir them into the skillet until they begin to wilt—this should take about 2 minutes.
7. Stir in the Parmesan:
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the contents of the skillet. Stir it in until it’s melted and well combined. Taste your dish and season with salt and black pepper as desired.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat and serve the dish warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if you like. This is perfect as a cozy meal on its own or paired with some crusty bread!
This skillet meal is hearty, creamy, flavorful, and packed with protein and greens—the perfect cozy, comforting dish! Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet. Just stir it in until heated through.
What Can I Substitute for Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, try using roasted red peppers or even fresh diced tomatoes. Just remember to cook the fresh tomatoes a little longer to soften them.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to freshen it up.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese option. Nutritional yeast is also a great alternative for a cheesy flavor!