Introducing Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe
If you’re after a dish that bursts with rich, velvety flavors yet comes together in a snap, this Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe is exactly what you crave. Imagine tender white beans swimming in a luscious, silky sauce punctuated by tangy sun-dried tomatoes and vibrant green spinach — all in one pan. One bite and you’ll be hooked!
I love serving this skillet for a cozy weeknight dinner or bringing it along to potlucks because it pleases both veggie lovers and meat-eaters alike. You’ll appreciate how it fits perfectly into busy evenings, delivering bold, crave-worthy comfort without fuss. Trust me, once you try this, your skillet will be getting a regular workout.
This recipe nails that balance between creamy indulgence and fresh Tuscan flair — making it an instant favorite. Whether you want a hearty main or a stellar side, the Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe has got your back!
Why This Recipe Works
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and garlic infuses a tantalizing tang and savoriness into every creamy bite.
- Easy Steps: Minimal ingredients and simple cooking methods make this skillet recipe approachable for cooks at any level.
- Reliable Results: Consistent texture from perfectly cooked beans and silky cream ensures every batch impresses.
- Flexible: Easily swap greens or add proteins to customize it your way — perfect for meal prep or last-minute dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Crave

- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed — creamy base packed with protein and fiber.
- 1 cup vegetable broth — flavor enhancer and cooking liquid to keep it saucy.
- 1 cup spinach, chopped — adds freshness and vibrant color, wilted perfectly in the skillet.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream — makes the sauce irresistibly silky and rich.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped — tangy punch that lifts the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced — aromatic and essential for that signature Tuscan flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning — herbs bring warmth and depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste — simple seasonings to balance and brighten.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil — for sautéing garlic and melding flavors.
You can swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a heartier green texture. If you want to lighten it up, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or canned coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. Just remember, these swaps might nudge the texture and flavor slightly, but you’ll still love the results!
Gear Up Before Cooking
Having the right tools makes cooking a breeze — especially for skillet recipes like this one. The right pan ensures even heat and prevents sticking, while sharp prep tools speed up your chopping with precision. Let’s set you up for success before that skillet hits the stove!
Tools You’ll Need
- Skillet (10-inch preferably): A medium-sized, heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even cooking and enough space to mix all ingredients comfortably.
- Sharp knife and chopping board: For quick, safe chopping of garlic, tomatoes, and spinach.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy here locks in the perfect consistency and flavor balance.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For gentle stirring without scratching your pan.
Step-by-Step to Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe Bliss
Ready to make magic happen in your kitchen? Follow these steps to whip up a skillet dish that’s bubbling with creamy Tuscan goodness. I promise, the aroma alone will have you hungry before the first bite!
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. You’ll notice the oil shimmering — that’s your cue it’s ready to wake up the garlic.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. This usually takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute; watch carefully so your garlic doesn’t burn and turn bitter.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. The kitchen will fill with a tangy, sun-kissed aroma as the tomatoes soften and release flavor.
- Add white beans, vegetable broth, and Italian seasoning; stir to combine. White beans act like little sponges soaking up the tasty broth—make sure everything is mixed well.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. This step thickens the sauce slightly and melds all those Tuscan flavors together beautifully.
Pro Tips for Success
Watch your simmer closely — a gentle, steady bubble is ideal. If it’s too vigorous, your sauce might reduce too fast and get grainy; too low and flavors won’t fully develop. Also, make sure your beans are just tender but not mushy to keep that satisfying bite.
- Stir in heavy cream and spinach; cook until spinach is wilted. The cream will transform your sauce into something velvety, while the spinach softens into bright bursts of green freshness.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t skip this—seasoning makes all the difference. Taste as you go to tailor the dish exactly how you love it.
- Serve warm and enjoy! This dish shines hot from the skillet, perfect alongside crusty bread or tossed over pasta.
Flavor Variations for Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe

- Swap spinach for arugula or baby kale for a peppery, heartier twist.
- For extra protein, stir in cooked sausage slices or grilled chicken pieces before serving.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle, spicy kick that ignites your palate.
- Try stirring in a handful of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese for an ultra-rich finish.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil instead of dry for a lush, deeper flavor and added richness.
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with cashew cream or coconut milk and skip cheese additions.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to keep cream from separating.
- Freeze: Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat Tips: Warm slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.
- Freshen Up: Stir in fresh spinach or herbs when reheating to brighten the dish back up.
Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe FAQs
- Can I use canned beans other than white beans? Absolutely! Cannellini or Great Northern beans work beautifully in this recipe.
- Do I need to use heavy cream? Heavy cream gives the best silky texture, but half-and-half or coconut milk can be used as lighter or dairy-free options.
- Why does the sauce sometimes get grainy? Overcooking the cream or simmering too vigorously can cause separation—keep a gentle simmer and add cream toward the end.
- Can I make this vegetarian or vegan? Yes! Simply ensure your broth is vegetable-based and swap heavy cream for plant-based cream alternatives.
- Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Definitely. Follow our freezing tips above for great make-ahead meals.
Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe
A rich and flavorful Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet featuring tender white beans simmered in a savory blend of vegetable broth, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach, finished with a touch of heavy cream for a comforting and wholesome meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering and ready for sautéing.
- Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, making sure not to burn it.
- Cook tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Add beans and broth: Add the drained white beans, vegetable broth, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to slightly reduce.
- Add cream and spinach: Stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Continue cooking until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season: Season the skillet with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Tuscan white bean skillet warm as a hearty main or side dish. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Use low sodium vegetable broth to control salt content.
- Fresh sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can be drained to reduce oiliness, or use the dry kind rehydrated in hot water.
- Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a complete meal.