This Marry Me White Bean & Spinach Skillet is a cozy dish packed with tender white beans, fresh spinach, and a hint of garlic. It’s quick to make and perfect for any night of the week!
This dish is so good, it might just get you proposed to! I love serving it over rice or with crusty bread to soak up all the yummy flavors. Give it a try, and watch hearts melt! 💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing, but you can use other oils like avocado or canola if you prefer. I love the flavor that olive oil adds to the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic touch. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works, but fresh gives a better taste. I can never have enough garlic!
Cannellini Beans: These creamy white beans are perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find them, navy or great northern beans can be a good substitute.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a sweet and tangy flavor. If you’re short on time, use fresh tomatoes, but sauté them longer for better flavor. I prefer using those packed in oil for added taste.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down beautifully, but if you have frozen spinach, that works too! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or cashew cream. I usually go with coconut cream for a dairy-free version, which adds a nice richness!
How Do I Sauté Garlic Without Burning It?
Sautéing garlic can be tricky since it can quickly turn from fragrant to burnt. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat, then add the oil.
- Add minced garlic once the oil shimmers, but before it smokes. This keeps the garlic from cooking too fast.
- Cook the garlic for about 1 minute. If it starts to brown, take it off the heat immediately – burnt garlic can turn bitter!
Following these steps will keep that delicious garlic flavor intact and set the stage for a fantastic dish!
Marry Me White Bean & Spinach Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans (white beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil, drained)
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or extra spinach leaves for garnish
Time Needed:
This delicious skillet will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying your meal in around 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick weekday dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This is where the magic begins! You want the oil to be hot enough to sauté but not smoking.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute. You’re looking for that lovely aroma, so be careful not to let it brown too much!
3. Add the Beans and Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the cannellini beans and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let them cook together for about 2-3 minutes. This step allows the beans to warm up and the tomatoes to mingle their flavors.
4. Incorporate the Spinach:
Now, toss in those fresh spinach leaves! Cook while gently stirring until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes. It will reduce a lot, so don’t be surprised!
5. Stir in Cream and Herbs:
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the dried Italian herbs over everything. Give it a good stir and let it simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, until the cream thickens slightly.
6. Add Cheese & Season:
If you’re using Parmesan cheese, now’s the time to mix it in! Stir until it’s melted and incorporated into the dish. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat, and add some fresh basil leaves or extra spinach for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy with crusty bread, rice, or any side of your choice!
Enjoy this creamy, flavorful, and wholesome skillet meal perfect for a cozy diet! It’s a dish so good, it might just win your heart!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works in this recipe! Just make sure to thaw it first and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the skillet. This will keep your dish from becoming too watery!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this creamy dish vegan, simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or any plant-based cream. Additionally, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative for that extra creaminess.
What Should I Serve With This Skillet?
This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or a simple side salad. It can also be served over quinoa or whole grain for a more filling meal!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if needed to loosen it up.