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Creamy Tuscan White Bean and Spinach Skillet

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A rich and comforting skillet dish featuring tender cannellini beans in a garlicky cream sauce with vibrant spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for cozy dinners and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (for dairy-free option)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach
  • Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until shimmering.
  2. Add minced garlic and chopped onion; cook, stirring frequently, for 4-5 minutes until onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
  3. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes to infuse flavor.
  4. Drain and rinse cannellini beans. Blend half of the beans with ¼ cup of broth until smooth (optional for creaminess).
  5. Add blended beans, remaining whole beans, remaining broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens, adding more broth if needed.
  6. Season with chopped thyme, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  7. Add fresh spinach in batches, stirring until each batch wilts before adding the next, about 3-4 minutes total.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese for a glossy finish.
  9. Garnish with torn basil leaves and red pepper flakes if desired.
  10. Serve immediately, optionally with crusty bread or roasted chicken.

Notes

Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and tinny taste. Cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness. Blending half the beans creates a creamy yet chunky texture. Use quality olive oil for best flavor. Add spinach in batches and remove from heat as soon as wilted to preserve color and texture. If sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered a bit longer. If too salty, add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan, creamy, white bean, spinach, skillet, easy recipe, comfort food, quick dinner, vegetarian, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/creamy-tuscan-white-bean-and-spinach-skillet-easy-homemade-recipe/