Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe

I absolutely love how this Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe comes together so quickly but still feels like a comforting, indulgent meal. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want something flavorful and satisfying but without a ton of fuss. The creamy texture combined with the sun-dried tomatoes and artichokes just creates layers of savory goodness you won’t want to miss.

You’ll find that this recipe works perfectly for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with plant-based protein from cannellini beans, so you’re getting a wholesome meal that nourishes and delights all at once.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a deeply flavorful, creamy skillet meal. I always recommend grabbing good-quality sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil if you can — they really take the dish to the next level.

• Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor when sautéing your onions and garlic.
• White onion: Adds sweetness and depth—make sure to dice it finely for even cooking.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic is a must for that punch of aroma and taste.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: These bring tangy sweetness and umami; choose jarred in oil for a softer texture.
• Jarred artichokes: Adds a lovely briny note and tender bite that pairs so well here.
• Cannellini beans: Canned works great—just drain and rinse for a creamy texture and protein boost.
• Tomato paste: This concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce nicely.
• Heavy cream: Makes the skillet incredibly rich; you can swap for coconut cream for vegan variations.
• Vegetable stock: A simple addition to keep the sauce flavorful without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Spinach: Adds fresh, green goodness and wilts perfectly into the cream sauce.
• Hard cheese: I use Parmesan or Pecorino for that salty, savory finish.
• Fresh basil leaves: Shredded on top to add brightness and herbaceous notes.
• Dried oregano & rosemary: These Italian herbs boost the rustic, Tuscan vibe.
• Salt and pepper: To taste—essential for balancing all those flavors.

Variations

I love to customize this recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in. Feel free to get creative—this Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe is forgiving and adaptable!

• Vegan version: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and skip the cheese, or use nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy vibe—works wonderfully.
• Spicy kick: I sometimes add red pepper flakes when I want a little heat, and it balances the creaminess perfectly.
• Cheesy extra: Stir in a scoop of ricotta or mascarpone just before serving for an ultra-rich texture my family loves.
• Protein boost: Toss in some cooked chicken or sausage if you want to add meat for a heartier dish.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies

Heat your olive oil over medium heat until shimmering, then add your diced white onion. Cook it slowly for about 5-6 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent—this step really builds the flavor base. Next, toss in your minced garlic, chopped artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring frequently for another 2-3 minutes so they release their delicious aromas without burning.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste, making sure it coats the veggies evenly—this adds a lovely depth. Then pour in your drained cannellini beans, vegetable stock, and sprinkle over the dried oregano and rosemary. Give everything a good stir, reduce the heat slightly, and let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens a bit and flavors marry, usually about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Cream, Spinach & Cheese

Once your sauce has thickened, stir in the heavy cream and toss in the fresh spinach leaves. Keep cooking for another 5 minutes or until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is luscious and creamy. Finally, grate in your hard cheese—this adds richness and a wonderful salty finish. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to balance everything perfectly.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

To really make this dish pop, sprinkle shredded fresh basil leaves on top right before serving. The basil adds a fresh, bright note that contrasts so nicely with the creamy sauce.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this skillet with fresh shredded basil—it adds such a lovely pop of color and fragrance. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra grated hard cheese on top or even a few chili flakes if I’m feeling adventurous. A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving also amps up the richness and sheen.

Side Dishes

This skillet is great on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up all the creamy sauce. I also like a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For something heartier, roasted veggies or garlic mashed potatoes make excellent companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I love serving this creamy Tuscan white bean skillet in individual cast iron skillets—it looks rustic and impressive. You can also spoon it over grilled polenta rounds or creamy risotto for an elevated presentation that still feels homey and comforting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let the skillet cool completely before refrigerating to avoid condensation, which can make the sauce watery.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this creamy Tuscan white bean skillet a few times with good success—just portion it into freezer-safe containers and it should keep for up to 2 months. When thawing, I recommend doing it overnight in the fridge to keep the texture just right.

Reheating

Reheating is best done gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of vegetable stock or water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid any hot spots and maintain creaminess.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so reliable and delicious every single time. I love sharing it with friends and family, especially when I want something comforting yet elegant in a flash. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep coming back to.

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