Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal loaded with tender cannellini beans, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Rich with herbs and finished with a touch of cream and cheese, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that feels special.

Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 white onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 jarred sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 6 chopped jarred artichokes
- 2 tins (400g each) cannellini beans, drained
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 250ml heavy cream
- 250ml vegetable stock
- 75g spinach
- 20g hard cheese, grated
- 20g fresh basil leaves, shredded
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until it softens. Then add the minced garlic, chopped artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Step 2: Stir in the tomato paste until well combined. Add the cannellini beans, vegetable stock, dried oregano, and dried rosemary. Mix everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 3: Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly and is heated through. Then stir in the heavy cream and spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Grate the hard cheese into the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and top with shredded fresh basil leaves before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for a richer flavor, or rehydrate dried ones in warm water if needed.
- Swap out spinach for kale or Swiss chard if you prefer a heartier green.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the hard cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of vegetable stock if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned cannellini beans?
Yes, but fresh beans will need to be soaked and cooked beforehand, which adds time. Canned beans are a convenient shortcut for this recipe.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, this skillet can be cooked ahead and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Just reheat gently before serving.
PrintCreamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe
This creamy Tuscan white bean skillet combines the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, and aromatic herbs with creamy cannellini beans and fresh spinach. The dish is cooked on the stovetop to create a thick, comforting sauce finished with hard cheese and fresh basil, perfect for a hearty vegetarian meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 white onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 jarred sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 6 chopped jarred artichokes
- 75g fresh spinach
- 20g fresh basil leaves, shredded
Pantry and Canned Goods
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tins (400g each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 250ml vegetable stock
Dairy
- 250ml heavy cream
- 20g hard cheese (e.g., Parmesan or Pecorino), grated
Herbs and Spices
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic, chopped artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another 2-3 minutes to release their flavors.
- Add Tomato Paste and Beans: Stir in the tomato paste until combined with the other ingredients. Then add the drained cannellini beans, vegetable stock, dried oregano, and dried rosemary. Mix well to incorporate all components.
- Simmer and Thicken Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together, about 5-7 minutes.
- Finish with Cream and Spinach: Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy and luscious.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Grate the hard cheese into the skillet and mix thoroughly. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the skillet with shredded fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finish. Serve warm as a fulfilling vegetarian main or side dish.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and use a vegan cheese substitute.
- Draining and rinsing the canned beans reduces excess sodium and improves texture.
- Use a sharp hard cheese like Parmesan for the best flavor when grating.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or over cooked grains like rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Adjust the seasoning gradually to taste, especially salt, as the stock and sun-dried tomatoes can add natural saltiness.
Keywords: Tuscan white bean skillet, creamy cannellini beans, vegetarian skillet, sun-dried tomatoes recipe, artichoke skillet, creamy spinach beans, Italian vegetarian recipes

