This Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet is a warm and cozy dish that’s full of flavor. With creamy white beans, spinach, and garlic, it’s both hearty and healthy!
Honestly, it’s like a hug in a bowl! I love that it takes just one pan to make, so clean-up is a breeze. Serve it with some crusty bread, and you’ll be in heaven! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great staple for sautéing, it gives a lovely flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, avocado oil works well too, with a higher smoke point.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth. If you don’t have fresh, you can use garlic powder, but the flavor will be milder. Generally, I always prefer fresh for the best taste!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These tomatoes add a tangy sweetness. Go for oil-packed for richer flavor. If you can’t find them, you can use fresh tomatoes or even roasted red peppers as an alternative.
White Beans: Cannellini beans are my favorite for this dish! Great northern beans are a good alternative. If you need a legume swap, chickpeas can also work, but they’ll change the texture slightly.
Heavy Cream: This is crucial for creaminess. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, but it won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream is a fantastic alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: It’s essential for flavor. Pecorino Romano is a nice substitute if you prefer a sharper cheese. Nutritional yeast is great for a vegan take!
How Do I Make Sure My Beans Are Perfectly Creamy?
Getting the beans to a creamy consistency is key in this dish. Start by ensuring they’re properly rinsed to remove any canning liquid. After adding them to the skillet, gently mash a few with a fork. This releases their starches, creating a creamier sauce.
- Stir the beans into the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for a couple of minutes before adding any liquid. This enhances their flavor.
- When you add the cream, let the mixture simmer gently. This helps it thicken and integrate nicely with the beans.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably the oil-packed kind)
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-15 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy option for a weeknight dinner. All in all, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy nights when you still want something comforting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
2. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook them for about 2 minutes to release their delicious flavor and blend with the garlic.
3. Mix in the White Beans:
Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the skillet. Stir them well to combine with the tomato-garlic mixture.
4. Pour in the Cream:
Now it’s time to pour in the heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. This will help thicken the sauce and give it that creamy consistency.
5. Add the Cheese:
Once it’s simmering, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it in until it’s melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. This cheese adds so much flavor!
6. Toss in the Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes:
Now, add the fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Cook for a few more minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes start to soften. This will keep them vibrant and fresh!
7. Season to Taste:
Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything well, and adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh basil. Serve this creamy Tuscan white bean mixture warm with slices of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Enjoy every bite!
This comforting meal brings the flavors of Tuscany to your table in no time!
Can I Use Canned Beans Instead of Dried?
Absolutely! Canned beans are perfect for this recipe since they’re already cooked and save you time. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before adding to the skillet to remove any excess sodium.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be as rich. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream works beautifully and will add a lovely hint of coconut flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen up the sauce.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or kale for extra nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the garlic to help soften them before adding the beans and cream.