Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe

Creamy Tuscan white bean skillet is a heartwarming dish that brings together tender white beans, sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, and garlic in a rich, creamy sauce—all made in one pan. This comforting recipe is perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something cozy yet wholesome. The balance of creamy texture and savory depth is what makes it so memorable, with the beans offering a buttery bite and the sun-dried tomatoes adding a pop of sweet tang.

What makes this dish especially delightful is how easy it is to prepare. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you’ll have a hearty, satisfying meal on the table in about 30 minutes. It’s flexible, too—make it vegetarian, add a little spice, or stir in leftover chicken or sausage if you like.

If you’re a fan of one-pan meals that feel like a hug in a bowl, this creamy Tuscan white bean skillet will quickly become a weeknight favorite. The full recipe is just below, but don’t miss the tips along the way—they’ll help you make this dish even more delicious every time.

Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Ingredients

To create the perfect creamy Tuscan white bean skillet, you only need a few well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays a role in building the dish’s flavor and texture—comforting, creamy, and a little savory with a touch of brightness. Let’s look at what you’ll need and how you can adapt it to what’s in your pantry.

• White Beans – Cannellini or great northern beans work best for their creamy texture. Canned beans are convenient, but you can use cooked dried beans if you prefer.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These add a tangy, sweet depth that balances the richness of the cream. If they’re packed in oil, give them a quick pat dry. You can also use roasted red peppers for a slightly milder flavor.
• Garlic – A must for any Tuscan-style dish. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, finely chopped or minced.
• Onion – Yellow or white onions work well. Shallots are also a nice touch if you want a slightly sweeter profile.
• Baby Spinach – Stirred in at the end for freshness and color. You can substitute with kale or Swiss chard—just cook it a bit longer to soften it.
• Heavy Cream – This is where the “creamy” comes in. For a lighter version, try half-and-half. Coconut cream is a great non-dairy option.
• Vegetable Broth – Helps to thin the sauce and adds flavor. Chicken broth works if you’re not keeping it vegetarian.
• Parmesan Cheese – A bit stirred in or sprinkled on top brings umami and a salty finish. Nutritional yeast can be used as a dairy-free substitute.
• Olive Oil – Used to sauté the aromatics. Butter is also fine, especially for extra richness.
• Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes – Season to taste. The flakes add a gentle heat that complements the cream.

These ingredients make this Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet hearty but not heavy, simple yet full of flavor. Use what you have, and make it your own.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet (Step-by-Step Guide)

Making this creamy Tuscan white bean skillet is easy if you follow these steps! It’s a one-pan meal that builds flavor in layers—from the aromatics to the creamy finish. Here’s how to bring it together with confidence.

Step 1 – Prepare the Ingredients

Start by draining and rinsing your white beans. Mince the garlic, finely dice the onion, and roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes. If using kale instead of spinach, remove the stems and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Have your broth, cream, and cheese measured out and ready to go—it makes things smoother once the pan heats up.

Step 2 – Cook the Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. This creates the aromatic base of the dish.

Step 3 – Add Main Ingredients

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and white beans. Pour in the broth and cream, stirring well to combine. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Step 4 – Simmer and Finish

Once the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the spinach. Let it wilt for 1–2 minutes. Add a sprinkle of grated parmesan, and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Stir everything together until creamy and well-blended.

Step 5 – Garnish and Serve

Before serving the creamy Tuscan white bean skillet, top with a little more parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, or fresh chopped parsley. A pinch of red pepper flakes makes a lovely garnish too.

For another dish with layers of creaminess and flavor, don’t miss our Cajun Cream Sauce – Rich, Spicy & Easy

Tips for Success

Cooking a creamy Tuscan white bean skillet doesn’t take long, but a few small tips can make a big difference in flavor and texture. Here’s how to make sure yours turns out extra satisfying every time.

• Use good-quality beans. Canned white beans work beautifully, but choose a brand that holds its shape and doesn’t turn mushy. If you’re using dried beans, cook them until just tender before adding.
• Don’t rush the aromatics. Let the onions get soft and slightly golden, and stir the garlic gently to release its full flavor without burning it.
• Simmer gently. High heat can cause the cream to separate or curdle. Keep it at a soft bubble for a silky finish.
• Stir in the spinach last. This keeps the color vibrant and the leaves tender, not overcooked.
• Grate your cheese fresh. Pre-grated parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly. Freshly grated cheese adds better texture and flavor.
• Balance the salt. Between the broth, cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, there’s already a fair bit of salt. Taste before adding more.

If your sauce ever gets too thick, a splash of warm broth or even water can loosen it up again.

Serving The Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet

This creamy Tuscan white bean skillet is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few thoughtful sides. Its creamy richness and Tuscan flavors shine best alongside something simple and rustic.

• Crusty bread – A warm baguette or a slice of sourdough is perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce.
• Over rice or polenta – For a heartier dinner, spoon the skillet over a bed of creamy polenta or fluffy rice.
• Light salad – Try a lemony arugula salad or mixed greens with balsamic for a fresh counterpoint.
• Roasted vegetables – Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus round out the meal beautifully.

As for drinks, a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon works well to cleanse the palate between creamy bites of creamy Tuscan white bean skillet.

For an indulgent pairing that complements these Tuscan flavors, you might also enjoy Lobster Grilled Cheese Recipe – Buttery & Cheesy Delight.

Variations and Customizations

One of the joys of this creamy Tuscan white bean skillet is how versatile it is. Whether you’re cooking for dietary needs or just want to mix things up, there are several ways to customize this dish to suit your table.

• Add protein – For a heartier meal, stir in cooked Italian sausage, diced grilled chicken, or even shrimp during the final simmer.
• Make it vegan – Use coconut cream or unsweetened cashew cream in place of dairy, and skip the cheese or use a plant-based version. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, too.
• Turn up the heat – Add extra red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne, or stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste for a gentle fire.
• Use different greens – Swap spinach for kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens. Heartier greens may need to cook a bit longer to soften.
• Try different beans – Great northern or navy beans are great substitutes, but you can also experiment with chickpeas for a nuttier texture.

These swaps help make this recipe your own while keeping that cozy, creamy foundation front and center.

How to Store and Reheat

Leftovers of creamy Tuscan white bean skillet reheat wonderfully, making it a great make-ahead option or next-day lunch. Here’s how to store and reheat it to keep that rich, creamy goodness intact.

• Refrigerate: Once the dish has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat on the stovetop: Warm slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth, water, or cream to loosen the sauce as it heats.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Again, a splash of liquid helps maintain the creamy texture.

If you’ve added protein like sausage or shrimp, be extra gentle while reheating to avoid overcooking those ingredients.

Can You Freeze a Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet?

Yes, you can freeze creamy Tuscan white bean skillet—but with a small caveat. Because it contains dairy, the texture may change slightly after thawing. The cream can sometimes separate, though the flavor remains rich and comforting.

For best results:

• Freeze without the cream if you plan to make it ahead. Add the cream when reheating on the stove for a smoother finish.
• Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat slowly, stirring well and adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back that creamy texture.

It’s a smart way to meal prep or save extra portions for a future comfort meal.

Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe Card

Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet

Recipe by RebeccaCourse: Main CourseCuisine: Italian-AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

A rich and comforting skillet meal featuring white beans, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy Italian-inspired sauce.

Gather Your Goodies

• 2 cans white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed

• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed or dry, rehydrated)

• 2 cups baby spinach (or chopped kale)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)

• ¾ cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Let’s Get Cooking

• Prep all ingredients. Mince garlic, dice onion, chop sun-dried tomatoes, and measure out liquids.
• Sauté aromatics. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion, cook 2–3 minutes. Add garlic, stir for 30 seconds.
• Add main ingredients. Stir in beans, sun-dried tomatoes, broth, and cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes.
• Finish and season. Stir in spinach until wilted. Add parmesan, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Serve hot. Garnish with more cheese or fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or over rice.

Notes

• Make it vegan: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
• Add protein: Stir in cooked sausage or chicken before simmering.
• Storage: Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.

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FAQs About Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet

If you’re thinking about making this creamy Tuscan white bean skillet, here are some common questions that might help you get the best results.

For another cozy skillet dinner, don’t miss Steak Hibachi Recipe – Sizzle & Flavor in One Pan

Final Thoughts on Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet

Creamy Tuscan white bean skillet is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—simple ingredients, bold flavor, and comfort you can serve in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for guests or winding down after a long day, it’s a one-pan dish that delivers every time.

The combination of white beans, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach in a silky cream sauce offers just the right mix of richness and freshness. It’s hearty without being heavy and flexible enough for any pantry or diet. You can keep it vegetarian or dress it up with sausage, chicken, or whatever suits your taste.

If you give this creamy Tuscan white bean skillet a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Please leave a comment or a star rating, and let others know your favorite way to enjoy it. You might also enjoy exploring other creamy or skillet-style recipes here on DoTasty.