Creamy White Beans Recipe

Introduction

This creamy white bean dish is a comforting and flavorful option perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredients

• ¼ onion, minced
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ cup vegetable broth
• 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• ½ cup spinach
• ½ cup heavy cream (plus more as needed)
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• Bread for dipping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in the tomato paste, salt, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to blend the flavors.
3. Step 3: Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the white beans and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring gently a few times.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and add the spinach and heavy cream. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cream is heated through.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil and additional red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm with toasted bread for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
• Use cannellini or navy beans if you prefer a different white bean variety.
• If you like it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.

Storage

Store leftover white beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if it seems thick. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream content.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes, but keep in mind that sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated, tangy flavor that fresh tomatoes might lack. If using fresh, add them earlier in the cooking process to soften.

Is it necessary to add heavy cream?

The heavy cream adds richness and a creamy texture, but you can leave it out for a lighter dish or replace it with a non-dairy alternative for a vegan option.

Creamy White Beans Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 138 reviews

A creamy and flavorful white bean skillet dish featuring garlic, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, perfect for a comforting and hearty meal served with toasted bread.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Herbs

• ¼ onion, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2 cup spinach
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Pantry Items & Spices

• 1 Tablespoon oil
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed

Dairy

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus more as needed)

Serving

• Bread for dipping

Instructions

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the minced onions and oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the onions until they are softened, then add the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds or until fragrant to release its aroma without burning.
2. Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, salt, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors and infuse the oil with the spices.
3. Add Beans and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Pour in the vegetable broth, drained and rinsed white beans, and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Cook this mixture for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring gently a few times to combine and heat through without mashing the beans.
4. Add Spinach and Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream. Continue cooking until the spinach has wilted completely, blending the creaminess with the greens.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish the dish with chopped fresh basil and additional red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm with toasted bread for dipping to enjoy the creamy white bean mixture.

Notes

• For a thinner sauce, add more heavy cream or vegetable broth as needed during the final cooking step.
• You can substitute fresh basil with dried basil if fresh is unavailable, but use half the amount.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.
• Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free meal option.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or served over cooked grains like rice or quinoa.

Keywords: white beans, creamy white beans, skillet white beans, vegetarian dinner, garlic white beans, spinach white beans, quick white bean recipe