Tuscan White Bean Skillet
Lakshman Rao Sarnala
A creamy, garlicky Tuscan white bean dish with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, perfect for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
 
	
    	
		Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
 
     
    
 
- 2 tbsp  olive oil
 - 1  small onion, finely chopped
 - 3  cloves garlic, minced
 - 1/2  tsp  red pepper flakes (optional)
 - 1/2  cup  sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
 - 2 cans (15 oz each)   white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
 - 1 cup  vegetable or chicken broth
 - 1/2  cup  heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
 - 1/4  cup  grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra richness)
 - 1 tsp   Italian seasoning
 - 2 cups  fresh spinach
 - Salt and pepper to taste
 - Juice of 1/2 lemon (for brightness)
 - Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
 
 
Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add sun-dried tomatoes and beans: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and drained white beans. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Pour in broth and season: Add the vegetable or chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the beans to absorb the flavors.
Make it creamy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk). Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Add spinach and Parmesan: Stir in the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, cooking until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce.
Finish with lemon juice: Squeeze in fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavors. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm with crusty bread, pasta, or rice.
 
- Make it dairy-free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan.
 
- Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for extra heartiness.
 
 
Keyword creamy white beans, Italian skillet meal, Tuscan white bean skillet